LifesAMystery asked:


I’m interested in doing a few small projects in my condo (refacing cabinets, new flooring, new countertops), but I’m having trouble finding a contractor. Places like Lowes and Home Depot seem to be geared towards big home remodeling projects.

My real estate agent was a nightmare, so I wouldn’t trust anyone she suggested. And my boyfriend and dad are very capable, but it would take forever, it would be completely inconvenient for them, and I want to do this on my own since it’s my place.

Any suggestions?
Thanks for the suggestions. I tried the yellow pages and online, but there are so many that I was overwhelmed. I’ll try again - because I didn’t consider that someone might give me a referral.

ABE

Monica W asked:


Retailers seem to offer better prices and long-term warranties, but contractors seem to provide better quality installation. Are contractor’s higher prices worth it?

PABLO

royhardin asked:


I am doing a pretty big remodeling effort on the house I am purchasing. None of the different efforts are that big taken separately, but all together, it is a lot. Still, I think I can handle the work with proper planning - I do have reasonable skills and have done a lot of little projects like these - just not all together.

But to make my wife more comfortable with all this, I was thinking about hiring a contractor to more or less look over my shoulder at different stages to make sure I was doing a good job. Is that really a good idea? Anyone do something like that before? Should I expect the cost to be so much that I’d be better off having the contractor do the work?

I’d be happy to have someone come in and do all the work for me. I’d rather spend my vacation time on vacation - not remodeling. But the budget I have works well with materials - not with installation included.

Thanks for any feedback/suggestions - this place has been great.

PHIL

c-rob asked:


contractor finished only 90 of the work and received 99% of pay and then walked away. What legal action can I take and what can i expect to happen?

GIOVANNI

Keith asked:


Our contract specifies that we are to hire our own painter. The painter came and painted when requested to do so. After this our contractor had to re-open the wall to install a shower valve that was missed during installation. The contractor now expects the painter to repaint for no additional charge, and claims this is completely “normal”.
No mural, just prime & one color of paint.

NICHOLAS

Sarah_Hone asked:


we had a general contractor come out and give us an estimate for fixing up our house after is flooded, and now he wants to charge us almost $2000 for the estimate (3% of the total estimate!) Is this legal, we never signed anything with us, and he never advised us of any fee upfront! PLEASE HELP!

FEDERICO

Sine Language asked:


I may need to find a contractor to replace some piping for my air conditioner that would require running new pipe through the floor or wall, How can I find a reliable contractor? Part of the probblem is that I think the problem originated with some careless work that was done previously. And, obviously they need to be familiar with, or be able to work closely with tha air conditioning company.

SANTOS

Marie C asked:


I live in the Pittsburgh area and my husband and I may be buying a bit of a fixer-upper in the next two months. Before buying, we will need to get an estimate from a contractor (to be sure we can afford the renovations), but we are having a hard time picking one. Can anyone either recommend a contractor in the Pittsburgh area, or a good method by which to choose one?
Thanks for your time!

ALLEN