Oct
5
What to Look for in a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor
Filed Under Home And Family | Comments Off
Aaron Crawford asked:
Finding a contractor to remodel your bathroom is little different from finding a contractor for any other remodeling job. It is important to be cautious when hiring anyone to do any work on your home, especially when it comes to plumbing and electrical. Since both of these are often involved in a bathroom remodel a little extra caution can be worth your while.
Many contractors advertise in newspapers, yellow pages, internet, radio and TV. You shouldn’t however consider an ad to be an indication of the quality of work that a contractor might do. You should get several written estimates from reputable contractors and don’t be afraid to ask for explanations for price variations. Don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder.
Be careful of less than reputable general contractors. Be skeptical of the following:
1. Door to door solicitors
2. Cash only contractors.
3. Contractors that ask you to get the necessary permits.
4. They just happen to have left over materials from a previous job they can use.
5. If there is no listing in the local phone directory for the contractor.
6. Contractors that offer you discounts to find them other customers.
7. You are pressured to make an immediate decision.
8. You are asked to pay for the entire job up-front.
9. They tell you that your job will be a “demonstration”.
10. The contractor offers exceptionally long guarantees.
11. If the contractor suggests you finance your remodel using a lender he knows. This could be a home refinance scam that causes you to lose your home.
Here are some questions you should ask when interview prospective contractors.
1. How long has your company been in business? Look for a well established company. Check with any available consumer protection officials.
2. How many jobs similar to mine have you finished recently? Ask for a list. It could help you determine if the contractor is familiar with you type of project.
3. Does my job require a permit. If the contractor asks you to get permits, it may indicate that he might not be licensed.
4. Do you have a list of references?
5. Will you be using subcontractors? If so, May I meet them? You should ask the subcontractors whether they are usually paid in a timely manner when working with your contractor and make sure they have the proper insurance and licenses.
6. What type of insurance do you carry? Contractors should have personal liability, worker’s compensation, and property damage coverage. Ask to see current copies of insurance documents.
Check References.
Speak to some of their previous customers. You may want to ask them:
May you visit their home to see the work that was done?
Were they satisfied with the work?
Were you kept informed about the status of the project?
Were there any problems along the way?
Were there any unexpected costs? If so what were they?
Did workers showed up on time and did they clean up after themselves?
If you needed a contractor today would you want to use them again?
Check with prospective contractors about payment options available. For larger remodeling jobs you can get your own loan or ask the contractor to arrange financing. Since your bathroom job may be a litter smaller, you may want to pay by check or credit card. Avoid paying with cash.
CHRISTIAN
Finding a contractor to remodel your bathroom is little different from finding a contractor for any other remodeling job. It is important to be cautious when hiring anyone to do any work on your home, especially when it comes to plumbing and electrical. Since both of these are often involved in a bathroom remodel a little extra caution can be worth your while.
Many contractors advertise in newspapers, yellow pages, internet, radio and TV. You shouldn’t however consider an ad to be an indication of the quality of work that a contractor might do. You should get several written estimates from reputable contractors and don’t be afraid to ask for explanations for price variations. Don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder.
________________________________________________________________________
Be careful of less than reputable general contractors. Be skeptical of the following:
1. Door to door solicitors
2. Cash only contractors.
3. Contractors that ask you to get the necessary permits.
4. They just happen to have left over materials from a previous job they can use.
5. If there is no listing in the local phone directory for the contractor.
6. Contractors that offer you discounts to find them other customers.
7. You are pressured to make an immediate decision.
8. You are asked to pay for the entire job up-front.
9. They tell you that your job will be a “demonstration”.
10. The contractor offers exceptionally long guarantees.
11. If the contractor suggests you finance your remodel using a lender he knows. This could be a home refinance scam that causes you to lose your home.
Here are some questions you should ask when interview prospective contractors.
1. How long has your company been in business? Look for a well established company. Check with any available consumer protection officials.
2. How many jobs similar to mine have you finished recently? Ask for a list. It could help you determine if the contractor is familiar with you type of project.
3. Does my job require a permit. If the contractor asks you to get permits, it may indicate that he might not be licensed.
4. Do you have a list of references?
5. Will you be using subcontractors? If so, May I meet them? You should ask the subcontractors whether they are usually paid in a timely manner when working with your contractor and make sure they have the proper insurance and licenses.
6. What type of insurance do you carry? Contractors should have personal liability, worker’s compensation, and property damage coverage. Ask to see current copies of insurance documents.
Check References.
Speak to some of their previous customers. You may want to ask them:
May you visit their home to see the work that was done?
Were they satisfied with the work?
Were you kept informed about the status of the project?
Were there any problems along the way?
Were there any unexpected costs? If so what were they?
Did workers showed up on time and did they clean up after themselves?
If you needed a contractor today would you want to use them again?
Check with prospective contractors about payment options available. For larger remodeling jobs you can get your own loan or ask the contractor to arrange financing. Since your bathroom job may be a litter smaller, you may want to pay by check or credit card. Avoid paying with cash.
CHRISTIAN
Sep
25
10 Characteristics of a Quality Painting Contractor
Filed Under Home And Family | Comments Off
Nicky Taylor asked:
erated a painting contractor and repair business for 26 years, I have heard many reasons given by homeowners for going with the cheaper price. It’s not uncommon for me to get calls from homeowners who realize they made a mistake and wish they had paid a little more for quality service. Many wish they had investigated their contractor more before deciding to use them.
Better qualify your contractors with the following 10 conditions.
1. Find out how long the contractor has been doing business in your area. Instability is common in this industry. Some painting contractors work a few years in an area then start to feel the heat from dissatisfied customers, so they move on to another city and start the whole process over again. If a contractor has been working in an area for 10 or more years, generally it is an indication of stability.
2. Does the Contractor pay his help by the hour or on a percentage basis? When I first started my business in 1982, I paid my painters by the hour. After about 7 years of paying by the hour and being dissatisfied with their performance, I decided to switch to paying on a percentage basis. I found I could get higher quality work in half the time. The painters have an improved mindset when being paid on a percentage basis. The painters now have a special interest in the quality and timeliness of their work. Better performance means a smaller punch list at the end of the job and in less time, resulting in better pay. Be sure and ask the contractor this question. This is merely a suggestion. Obviously, there are some painters that work by the hour that have a good work ethic. I personally will never go back to working men by the hour. I have been able to provide a higher quality service overall since paying on a percentage basis.
3. Does the Contractor present a well written and organized contract to sign that outlines what he is going to do? This is a good indication of how organized he is. If he is well organized, in most cases it will carry over to his crews. Well organize people are very uncomfortable with disorganization and generally will work to maintain well organized projects and crews.
4. Does the contractor expect a deposite before starting the project? Although the size of a project may dictate whether a deposit is appropriate or not, for the average size painting and repair project ($3,000 to $8,000) I strongly recommend not paying a deposit. The ability of the painting contractor to finance the project is an indication of financial stability and more importantly his desire to operate at peak performance making sure you are happy. I have heard many stories through the years of homeowners who have given the deposit only to have the contractor leave after a day or two of work never to be seen again.
5. How well has the contractor communicated with you since the first time you contacted him? Is he prompt in his response to your questions and request? Most quality professional contractors put a premium on communication. This is another indication of the core values, by which he operates. During your project, you will definitely want good communication.
6. Are the painters working for the contractor covered by workman’s comp? Be sure of this because many painters say they have liability insurance, but liability insurance is not the same thing as workmen comp and will not cover the painters if they are injured on the job. Another consideraton is how well the contractor has insured his crews against injury. Some contractors pay their crews under the table and there is no history that the insurance companies can verify. They may not cover the crews in such cases. This can put you at considerable financial risk. This is another indication of the core values that govern the contractor’s performance. Contact his insurance company and ask these questions.
7. Be sure and check their references. Even though they will give you their best references, you can still get a feel for qualities such as neatness, timeliness, communication, and overall opinion of quality of the job. Keep in mind though, everybody has their own opinion of what constitutes a quality job so don’t decide based solely on their references.
8. Be leery of the aggressive cut throat, as they are more volume oriented. They have to bang out as many houses as they can to turn any kind of profit. In most cases there aren’t any core values driving the quality of their work. You only stand to suffer from this type of contractor.
9. Make sure it is understood there is to be a walk through between you and the head of the crew to take care of touch ups and any issues before you pay for the services. This is crucial, both for you and the contractor. It assures that you are happy with their work and helps eliminate warranty issues for the contractor, saving him time and money. Seasoned contractors who really care about their customers know that this is the best approach for finalizing a project.
10. You should also check for the following obvious things: a business license, Better Business Bureau for unsettled complaints, how long they have been in business, how many crews work for them, written and detailed warranties
Always put quality first. Putting a little extra time into qualifying your painting contractors will pay off handsomely. You will have fewer headaches during the project. You will have a better looking home with a paint job that last longer.
GABRIEL
erated a painting contractor and repair business for 26 years, I have heard many reasons given by homeowners for going with the cheaper price. It’s not uncommon for me to get calls from homeowners who realize they made a mistake and wish they had paid a little more for quality service. Many wish they had investigated their contractor more before deciding to use them.
________________________________________________________________________
Better qualify your contractors with the following 10 conditions.
1. Find out how long the contractor has been doing business in your area. Instability is common in this industry. Some painting contractors work a few years in an area then start to feel the heat from dissatisfied customers, so they move on to another city and start the whole process over again. If a contractor has been working in an area for 10 or more years, generally it is an indication of stability.
2. Does the Contractor pay his help by the hour or on a percentage basis? When I first started my business in 1982, I paid my painters by the hour. After about 7 years of paying by the hour and being dissatisfied with their performance, I decided to switch to paying on a percentage basis. I found I could get higher quality work in half the time. The painters have an improved mindset when being paid on a percentage basis. The painters now have a special interest in the quality and timeliness of their work. Better performance means a smaller punch list at the end of the job and in less time, resulting in better pay. Be sure and ask the contractor this question. This is merely a suggestion. Obviously, there are some painters that work by the hour that have a good work ethic. I personally will never go back to working men by the hour. I have been able to provide a higher quality service overall since paying on a percentage basis.
3. Does the Contractor present a well written and organized contract to sign that outlines what he is going to do? This is a good indication of how organized he is. If he is well organized, in most cases it will carry over to his crews. Well organize people are very uncomfortable with disorganization and generally will work to maintain well organized projects and crews.
4. Does the contractor expect a deposite before starting the project? Although the size of a project may dictate whether a deposit is appropriate or not, for the average size painting and repair project ($3,000 to $8,000) I strongly recommend not paying a deposit. The ability of the painting contractor to finance the project is an indication of financial stability and more importantly his desire to operate at peak performance making sure you are happy. I have heard many stories through the years of homeowners who have given the deposit only to have the contractor leave after a day or two of work never to be seen again.
5. How well has the contractor communicated with you since the first time you contacted him? Is he prompt in his response to your questions and request? Most quality professional contractors put a premium on communication. This is another indication of the core values, by which he operates. During your project, you will definitely want good communication.
6. Are the painters working for the contractor covered by workman’s comp? Be sure of this because many painters say they have liability insurance, but liability insurance is not the same thing as workmen comp and will not cover the painters if they are injured on the job. Another consideraton is how well the contractor has insured his crews against injury. Some contractors pay their crews under the table and there is no history that the insurance companies can verify. They may not cover the crews in such cases. This can put you at considerable financial risk. This is another indication of the core values that govern the contractor’s performance. Contact his insurance company and ask these questions.
7. Be sure and check their references. Even though they will give you their best references, you can still get a feel for qualities such as neatness, timeliness, communication, and overall opinion of quality of the job. Keep in mind though, everybody has their own opinion of what constitutes a quality job so don’t decide based solely on their references.
8. Be leery of the aggressive cut throat, as they are more volume oriented. They have to bang out as many houses as they can to turn any kind of profit. In most cases there aren’t any core values driving the quality of their work. You only stand to suffer from this type of contractor.
9. Make sure it is understood there is to be a walk through between you and the head of the crew to take care of touch ups and any issues before you pay for the services. This is crucial, both for you and the contractor. It assures that you are happy with their work and helps eliminate warranty issues for the contractor, saving him time and money. Seasoned contractors who really care about their customers know that this is the best approach for finalizing a project.
10. You should also check for the following obvious things: a business license, Better Business Bureau for unsettled complaints, how long they have been in business, how many crews work for them, written and detailed warranties
Always put quality first. Putting a little extra time into qualifying your painting contractors will pay off handsomely. You will have fewer headaches during the project. You will have a better looking home with a paint job that last longer.
GABRIEL
Sep
23
Choosing a Contractor That Fits Your Needs
Filed Under Home And Family | Comments Off
Adrian Adams asked:
When it comes to entering a major construction job for your backyard or you want a new look for your kitchen, many homeowners most often need professional help to get their projects going in the right direction. This is when choosing a contractor becomes an important part of realizing the home improvement needs you have set for yourself.
The type of project you wish to complete for your residence will help determine the kind of help you will need to enlist. For example, larger goals require the assistance of a general contractor, while less involved tasks call for the aid of subcontractors.
When homeowners are looking to add an extra room to their house or upgrade their landscape complete with pool, a general contractor should be contacted. The general contractor will head the entire project, acting as the primary coordinator. They are responsible for hiring the appropriate subcontractors to fulfill project goals. After delegating the proper tasks to relevant subcontractors, a general contractor will then manage their progress. Major renovations and building new homes will usually demand the expertise of a general contractor.
When hiring a general contractor, you will establish a contract with them, meaning they’ll be the only worker you are responsible for paying. The general contractor pays any subcontractors that they hire, as they will be under contract to them and not the homeowner.
For every aspect of home improvement, there is a subcontractor who is knowledgeable in one or more specific fields. Depending on the type of remodeling or home expansion projects you have in mind, you may call upon the following subcontractor options: electricians, plumbers, excavators, water proofers, foundation wall repairers, carpenters, floorers, or painters.
Tips on Choosing a Contractor
As you inch your way closer and closer to a construction job or remodeling adventure, choosing a contractor is an important part of completing a successful project. As you listen to the experiences of family and friends, or sift through the Yellow Pages, you probably need a little assistance in making this decision a beneficial choice. Below you will find a few areas of interest to consider when it comes time to select a contractor.
After deciding to enhance the look and feel of your house, you should gather a few listings of contractors before settling on one. Need help finding a contractor? While general, as well as sub-contractors advertise in the newspaper, telephone book, and the Internet, there are also professional organizations, such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), as well as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), who can locate worthy contractors.
Once you’ve narrowed down potential contractors, you should check out how he or she conducts their business. For starters, you may contact the local Better Business Bureau to see if any former clients have placed a complaint against them. Also, visiting a job site allows you to see the contractor work on current projects. During a visit, it is important to note the safety, cleanliness, neatness, and conduct of the worker(s). This is a telling sign as to how your home improvement project might be handled.
If you like what you see and have learned after conducting research, you should make an office visit or place a telephone call to potential contractors. When carrying out an interview, you should ask questions that pertain to the size of your project; financial limitations; timelines; dates; scheduling; liability insurance; workers’ compensation; licenses and certificates; and previous clients and job experience.
During the selection process, you should ask to see the licenses of potential contractors. You should also know that an occupational license is not acceptable enough to reward a construction project. To get an idea of the type of work they may offer, you should request and contact the references of past customers. When inquiring on payment terms, avoid contractors who ask to be paid in cash or demand large payments before any work is completed.
Once you choose a contractor, it is important to stay on top of their actions. For instance, it is essential to make sure your contractor obtains all of the appropriate permits for major jobs. If your home improvement project involves the addition of a room; creating a second story; or remodeling major areas, it is rather key to choose a contractor that is qualified enough for the job. This means checking credentials and scrutinizing their past work history. Also, before any work is started, a clear and fair contract should be drawn up and signed, which is one of the best ways to protect both the interests of homeowner and contractor.
GUY
________________________________________________________________________
When it comes to entering a major construction job for your backyard or you want a new look for your kitchen, many homeowners most often need professional help to get their projects going in the right direction. This is when choosing a contractor becomes an important part of realizing the home improvement needs you have set for yourself.
The type of project you wish to complete for your residence will help determine the kind of help you will need to enlist. For example, larger goals require the assistance of a general contractor, while less involved tasks call for the aid of subcontractors.
When homeowners are looking to add an extra room to their house or upgrade their landscape complete with pool, a general contractor should be contacted. The general contractor will head the entire project, acting as the primary coordinator. They are responsible for hiring the appropriate subcontractors to fulfill project goals. After delegating the proper tasks to relevant subcontractors, a general contractor will then manage their progress. Major renovations and building new homes will usually demand the expertise of a general contractor.
When hiring a general contractor, you will establish a contract with them, meaning they’ll be the only worker you are responsible for paying. The general contractor pays any subcontractors that they hire, as they will be under contract to them and not the homeowner.
For every aspect of home improvement, there is a subcontractor who is knowledgeable in one or more specific fields. Depending on the type of remodeling or home expansion projects you have in mind, you may call upon the following subcontractor options: electricians, plumbers, excavators, water proofers, foundation wall repairers, carpenters, floorers, or painters.
Tips on Choosing a Contractor
As you inch your way closer and closer to a construction job or remodeling adventure, choosing a contractor is an important part of completing a successful project. As you listen to the experiences of family and friends, or sift through the Yellow Pages, you probably need a little assistance in making this decision a beneficial choice. Below you will find a few areas of interest to consider when it comes time to select a contractor.
After deciding to enhance the look and feel of your house, you should gather a few listings of contractors before settling on one. Need help finding a contractor? While general, as well as sub-contractors advertise in the newspaper, telephone book, and the Internet, there are also professional organizations, such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), as well as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), who can locate worthy contractors.
Once you’ve narrowed down potential contractors, you should check out how he or she conducts their business. For starters, you may contact the local Better Business Bureau to see if any former clients have placed a complaint against them. Also, visiting a job site allows you to see the contractor work on current projects. During a visit, it is important to note the safety, cleanliness, neatness, and conduct of the worker(s). This is a telling sign as to how your home improvement project might be handled.
If you like what you see and have learned after conducting research, you should make an office visit or place a telephone call to potential contractors. When carrying out an interview, you should ask questions that pertain to the size of your project; financial limitations; timelines; dates; scheduling; liability insurance; workers’ compensation; licenses and certificates; and previous clients and job experience.
During the selection process, you should ask to see the licenses of potential contractors. You should also know that an occupational license is not acceptable enough to reward a construction project. To get an idea of the type of work they may offer, you should request and contact the references of past customers. When inquiring on payment terms, avoid contractors who ask to be paid in cash or demand large payments before any work is completed.
Once you choose a contractor, it is important to stay on top of their actions. For instance, it is essential to make sure your contractor obtains all of the appropriate permits for major jobs. If your home improvement project involves the addition of a room; creating a second story; or remodeling major areas, it is rather key to choose a contractor that is qualified enough for the job. This means checking credentials and scrutinizing their past work history. Also, before any work is started, a clear and fair contract should be drawn up and signed, which is one of the best ways to protect both the interests of homeowner and contractor.
GUY
Aug
30
Advice for Hiring a Professional Painting Contractor
Filed Under Home And Family | Comments Off
Tony Evans asked:
(c) 2008 Smoky Mountain Painting
As a professional painting contractor for more than thirty years I have heard literally hundreds of horror stories from customers about their past experience with hiring painting contractors. Some of the most common stories that I have heard include painting contractors who have obtained a down payment from the customer and never returned who were not actually painting contractors but just plain crooks, painting contractors who started the job and their work was so bad that the customer was forced to ask the contractor to leave. These are just a couple of the typical stories that I have heard and continue to hear from customers. In this article, we will look at what you can do to protect yourself when you decide to hire a painting contractor.
Although there are many places to find a quality painting contractor such as the internet, yellow pages or even the local newspaper, the best place to start is by asking friends, relatives and coworkers what painting contractors they have used in the past and ask what kind of experience they have had with a particular painting contractor. Make sure to ask if they were satisfied with their work, the price and how long it took the painting contractor to complete the job. You can also check with your local paint store and ask them for a recommendation. If you can not locate a painting contractor from any of these sources, then you can turn to your local Better Business Bureau and ask if they can provide recommendations.
To begin with ask the contractor for a certificate of insurance. Quality contracting firms will be only too happy to provide you with copies of their certificates of insurance. Not all states and municipalities require licensing however business registration with your state and municipality is generally a minimum requirement.
Get references from the contractors you’re looking at most seriously. Talk with those people honestly and openly about the services they received. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about money and service. You want to know that you are hiring a professional painting contractor who will give you a quality job at a fair price.
It is very important to get a written contract. Reputable contractors will encourage the use of a written contract. This contract should clearly explain the scope of the work to be performed. It should also cover such items as surfaces to be painted, methods and extent of surface preparation, time schedules for the project, and payment procedures. If you know the total scope of the work in writing you will be better able to determine the cost difference between different contractors. The contract protects both you and the contractor.
Other questions to ask include, how long has the contractor been in business? There is a high turnover rate in the painting industry. Be sure to hire someone who has been in business for at least five years. Ask about the experience levels of the companies workers, because there are some companies who will hire workers with little or no experience in order to save money. Also ask what preparation the painting contractor will do on your job, preparation is one of the most important steps in painting any surface. Ask the painting contractor to make recommendations on materials for the job. A professional painting contractor will be able to suggest particular paints, colors and finishes.
Next you will need to find out if a paint warranty is included? If a paint warranty was included find out the length of time that the contractor will guarantee his work. Simply stating a warranty is not enough, you must get the warranty in writing including any limitations.
Many contractors will ask for a down payment upon signing the contract. This is normally customary, however before giving a down payment make sure that you have completed checking all of your references and are that you feel completely comfortable with the contractor. Be wary of anyone who asks for a substantial down payment and never give anyone more than 20% of the price up front.
Next, take time to compare the estimates carefully. The lowest price may not be your best choice. If you find there is a wide range between the bids, ask the contractors for an explanation. Are all the contractors using the same paint and materials? The low bidder may be taking shortcuts on quality. Keep in mind, getting the lowest price should not be your first consideration. You want to get someone who is skilled, experienced, fully insured, and has an experienced crew. In the painting industry as with most other industries you will usually get what you pay for. Good professional painting contractors want your business and will provide you with insurance certificates, references, advice on colors and finishes and are polite and professional to deal with. Once you have made your selection, step back and allow the professional painting contractor to complete the project that you have hired him to do. If you want high quality and professional service, you must be willing to pay the price that comes with it.
RODRIGO
(c) 2008 Smoky Mountain Painting
As a professional painting contractor for more than thirty years I have heard literally hundreds of horror stories from customers about their past experience with hiring painting contractors. Some of the most common stories that I have heard include painting contractors who have obtained a down payment from the customer and never returned who were not actually painting contractors but just plain crooks, painting contractors who started the job and their work was so bad that the customer was forced to ask the contractor to leave. These are just a couple of the typical stories that I have heard and continue to hear from customers. In this article, we will look at what you can do to protect yourself when you decide to hire a painting contractor.
Although there are many places to find a quality painting contractor such as the internet, yellow pages or even the local newspaper, the best place to start is by asking friends, relatives and coworkers what painting contractors they have used in the past and ask what kind of experience they have had with a particular painting contractor. Make sure to ask if they were satisfied with their work, the price and how long it took the painting contractor to complete the job. You can also check with your local paint store and ask them for a recommendation. If you can not locate a painting contractor from any of these sources, then you can turn to your local Better Business Bureau and ask if they can provide recommendations.
To begin with ask the contractor for a certificate of insurance. Quality contracting firms will be only too happy to provide you with copies of their certificates of insurance. Not all states and municipalities require licensing however business registration with your state and municipality is generally a minimum requirement.
Get references from the contractors you’re looking at most seriously. Talk with those people honestly and openly about the services they received. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about money and service. You want to know that you are hiring a professional painting contractor who will give you a quality job at a fair price.
It is very important to get a written contract. Reputable contractors will encourage the use of a written contract. This contract should clearly explain the scope of the work to be performed. It should also cover such items as surfaces to be painted, methods and extent of surface preparation, time schedules for the project, and payment procedures. If you know the total scope of the work in writing you will be better able to determine the cost difference between different contractors. The contract protects both you and the contractor.
Other questions to ask include, how long has the contractor been in business? There is a high turnover rate in the painting industry. Be sure to hire someone who has been in business for at least five years. Ask about the experience levels of the companies workers, because there are some companies who will hire workers with little or no experience in order to save money. Also ask what preparation the painting contractor will do on your job, preparation is one of the most important steps in painting any surface. Ask the painting contractor to make recommendations on materials for the job. A professional painting contractor will be able to suggest particular paints, colors and finishes.
Next you will need to find out if a paint warranty is included? If a paint warranty was included find out the length of time that the contractor will guarantee his work. Simply stating a warranty is not enough, you must get the warranty in writing including any limitations.
Many contractors will ask for a down payment upon signing the contract. This is normally customary, however before giving a down payment make sure that you have completed checking all of your references and are that you feel completely comfortable with the contractor. Be wary of anyone who asks for a substantial down payment and never give anyone more than 20% of the price up front.
Next, take time to compare the estimates carefully. The lowest price may not be your best choice. If you find there is a wide range between the bids, ask the contractors for an explanation. Are all the contractors using the same paint and materials? The low bidder may be taking shortcuts on quality. Keep in mind, getting the lowest price should not be your first consideration. You want to get someone who is skilled, experienced, fully insured, and has an experienced crew. In the painting industry as with most other industries you will usually get what you pay for. Good professional painting contractors want your business and will provide you with insurance certificates, references, advice on colors and finishes and are polite and professional to deal with. Once you have made your selection, step back and allow the professional painting contractor to complete the project that you have hired him to do. If you want high quality and professional service, you must be willing to pay the price that comes with it.
RODRIGO
Jun
5
David Evermon asked:
Concrete has been around for thousands of years, and many concrete buildings have managed to stay standing for hundreds of years after being built, this is why concrete is one of the most popular building materials available, as it simply cant be beaten for superior strength, durability and safety. When choosing to build with concrete it is advisable to invest in the services of a professional contractor to avoid weaknesses in the structure and guarantee a perfect professional finish that you can be proud of.
How to get contractors
The best way to begin looking for a good contractor who will give you the best value as well as a professional looking job is to ask around, one of the most powerful forms of advertising around is word of mouth, ask friends and family even acquaintances, they will be only too willing to tell you of their experiences good or bad with concrete contractors, another sure fire method is to do a search on contractors in your area, this can be done online or by using a local telephone or business listings book.
What to avoid
There are a couple of really important things to avoid when choosing a concrete contractor, firstly the thing to avoid at all costs is shoddy work, before employing a contractor or signing a contract, be sure to ask to see previous projects that he has completed, look at them closely and talk to his previous clients, see if they were happy with his work and turn around time. Make sure that the contractor that you choose is both reputable and well known for doing a good job on time.
Professionalism is also important, don’t expect the contractor to be in a suit and tie in order to speak with you , the type of professionalism to look for is by gauging his reactions to your questions and concerns, can he give you clear and concise answers and is he able to explain parts of the process to you easily and in an understandable manner?
What to look for
A contractor who can return your calls in a timely manner, and is happy to take the time to discuss your project with you, and listen to what you require in a job. This is the ideal type of contractor, be wary of contractors who can’t tell you much about the way he will be conducting the project and don’t seem to be able to commit to a time to talk with you about a project, or when the project will be completed.
How to deal with them
To begin with it is important to make sure that the contractor has been told by you exactly what you want, discuss such things as his polices on warranties, and tell him weather cracks will be acceptable or not, specify the type of finish that you desire. Make sure to tell the contractor what you are expecting to see at the completion of the job. Get a contract, write what you want in the contract! This is probably the most important piece of advice available, because if your contractor doesn’t give you what you want, you will want to have a contract on hand to fall back on. Another thing to be aware of is let him buy the concrete that he will work with, that way he can’t claim that you bought an inferior product, and that’s why things didn’t turn out as specified.
By keeping these simple steps in mind you should be able to find a good contractor and be enjoying all the befits of having a concrete structure, with minimum of fuss.
HERMAN
Concrete has been around for thousands of years, and many concrete buildings have managed to stay standing for hundreds of years after being built, this is why concrete is one of the most popular building materials available, as it simply cant be beaten for superior strength, durability and safety. When choosing to build with concrete it is advisable to invest in the services of a professional contractor to avoid weaknesses in the structure and guarantee a perfect professional finish that you can be proud of.
How to get contractors
The best way to begin looking for a good contractor who will give you the best value as well as a professional looking job is to ask around, one of the most powerful forms of advertising around is word of mouth, ask friends and family even acquaintances, they will be only too willing to tell you of their experiences good or bad with concrete contractors, another sure fire method is to do a search on contractors in your area, this can be done online or by using a local telephone or business listings book.
What to avoid
There are a couple of really important things to avoid when choosing a concrete contractor, firstly the thing to avoid at all costs is shoddy work, before employing a contractor or signing a contract, be sure to ask to see previous projects that he has completed, look at them closely and talk to his previous clients, see if they were happy with his work and turn around time. Make sure that the contractor that you choose is both reputable and well known for doing a good job on time.
Professionalism is also important, don’t expect the contractor to be in a suit and tie in order to speak with you , the type of professionalism to look for is by gauging his reactions to your questions and concerns, can he give you clear and concise answers and is he able to explain parts of the process to you easily and in an understandable manner?
What to look for
A contractor who can return your calls in a timely manner, and is happy to take the time to discuss your project with you, and listen to what you require in a job. This is the ideal type of contractor, be wary of contractors who can’t tell you much about the way he will be conducting the project and don’t seem to be able to commit to a time to talk with you about a project, or when the project will be completed.
How to deal with them
To begin with it is important to make sure that the contractor has been told by you exactly what you want, discuss such things as his polices on warranties, and tell him weather cracks will be acceptable or not, specify the type of finish that you desire. Make sure to tell the contractor what you are expecting to see at the completion of the job. Get a contract, write what you want in the contract! This is probably the most important piece of advice available, because if your contractor doesn’t give you what you want, you will want to have a contract on hand to fall back on. Another thing to be aware of is let him buy the concrete that he will work with, that way he can’t claim that you bought an inferior product, and that’s why things didn’t turn out as specified.
By keeping these simple steps in mind you should be able to find a good contractor and be enjoying all the befits of having a concrete structure, with minimum of fuss.
HERMAN
Mar
24
Remodeling Doesn’t Have to be a Nightmare: Use the Design/build Process
Filed Under Home And Family | Leave a Comment
Gary Belk asked:
Copyright (c) 2008 Gary Belk
You’ve heard the horror stories and possibly lived through your own. The home remodel that was supposed to take six months, ends up taking a year or more. And the budget? Well, that was pretty much shot by the third month. The architect and the contractor (when you can find either one of them) are pointing fingers at each other. Subcontractors forget what day they’re supposed to show up. And the materials? Wasn’t the flooring supposed to be bamboo, not pine?
This is the world of remodeling. A process that’s guaranteed to make your every moment, either asleep or awake, a perpetual nightmare. For many people this can be like entering their own Twilight Zone. A hellish place of missed deadlines, cost overruns, and headaches that start at the pupils and sear through the brain. This is not a good place to be. And now, you don’t have to be in it.
Why? Because design/build firms around the country have taken the remodeling process and turned it on its head. What was a gruesome task has been transformed, through proper planning and administration, into a pleasant experience that saves time and money.
This is the world of design/build. An approach to remodeling that goes all the way back to the Egyptians, an approach that unifies and integrates every element of the remodeling process, from initial design to final completion. All under one roof, all in the hands of one company, and all with 100% accountability. If it worked for the pharaohs, you better believe it will work for you.
The beauty of design/build is in the simplicity of its structure. For comparison here is the way most remodeling jobs are currently handled.
With a regular remodeling job, the client typically consults with an architect who would draw up the plans for the project. Once a design has client approval the plans go out to bid to several general contractors. When the bids return, more often than not the client is surprised to learn that the architect’s initial estimate for the design is off by 50% or more. At this point the client’s architect must revise the design and resubmit the revised design to the general contractors so that they can revise their bids. This process may go several rounds, several thousands of dollars and often creates tension between all involved. This is a situation that lends itself to playing the blame game. If at the end of this excruciating process one of the general contractors is selected the process moves on to the next step. The contractor gives the client his contract and timetable. And voila, it begins! T’s crossed, I’s dotted, one nice straight line from beginning to end. The client assumes he’ll be enjoying that new addition, kitchen, whatever in a few months. The money is budgeted and the client can hardly wait. But in this case ‘wait’ may be the operative word.
Shortly into the job, the electrician tells the general contractor that he’s run into problems, because the plans weren’t drawn right (”problems” is a word the client is going to hear a lot). The contractor contacts the client who then has to track down the architect. Construction, of course, stops. Playing phone tag with the architect, who by now has moved on to other jobs, comes next. And when he is finally reached, he’s totally miffed that a subcontractor could possibly think his plans were anything less than perfection. Good lord, what’s the world coming to! And now the imbroglio heats up in earnest.
The electrician gets into it with the architect, the contractor wrings his hands in despair, and the client stands helplessly by. Finally, of course, agreement is reached on how to proceed, usually with no one assuming any responsibility for the error much less the delay.
But that’s far from the end of the story, because by now the general contractor’s subs have all gone off in different directions while the job was stalled. New work schedules, new supply delivery schedules, and just about new everything have to be re-figured. And it goes on, and on, and on. What doesn’t keep going on is the money budgeted for the remodel. It may be pretty much gone, period.
This scenario may be repeated may times before the job is finally finished ‘ late, over budget, and with probably a dozen compromises along the way. in summation, “the horror, the horror”. Now the typical design/build scenario: The client comes to the design/build firm with their ideas and concepts. The in-house design team which may include both an architect and an oterior designer, take the client’s needs and desire in to consideration and comes up with the design. It’s that simple, and the design process costs ½ as much as going to an architect.
But it gets even simpler. The in-house design team passes the blueprints on to the estimator who gets the best possible prices from suppliers and comes up with the total cost, and a construction timetable. Usually this is then presented to the client as a fixed price contract. And because the design/build firm is the general contractor on the remodel, everything is checked and double checked to make absolutely certain that everything will run smoothly and efficiently. They designed it ‘ now it is time to build it!
Since the process is under one roof with one primary source for accountability, the likelihood of squabbles, missed deadlines and cost overruns is much less likely.
Anyone who is contemplating remodeling plans in the future really owe it to themselves to sit down with a design/build firm in their area to talk about their project. Prospective clients should ask to see pictures of jobs that the design/build firm has done, and get testimonials from clients who have had jobs completed.
It doesn’t make any difference if you are planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel or a new garage. ft. addition. The design/build approach will ultimately save that client money, time and aggravation (probably a lot of aggravation). And, of course, the remodel has a much better chance of being the way you want it - on-time and on-budget.
JAY
Copyright (c) 2008 Gary Belk
You’ve heard the horror stories and possibly lived through your own. The home remodel that was supposed to take six months, ends up taking a year or more. And the budget? Well, that was pretty much shot by the third month. The architect and the contractor (when you can find either one of them) are pointing fingers at each other. Subcontractors forget what day they’re supposed to show up. And the materials? Wasn’t the flooring supposed to be bamboo, not pine?
This is the world of remodeling. A process that’s guaranteed to make your every moment, either asleep or awake, a perpetual nightmare. For many people this can be like entering their own Twilight Zone. A hellish place of missed deadlines, cost overruns, and headaches that start at the pupils and sear through the brain. This is not a good place to be. And now, you don’t have to be in it.
Why? Because design/build firms around the country have taken the remodeling process and turned it on its head. What was a gruesome task has been transformed, through proper planning and administration, into a pleasant experience that saves time and money.
This is the world of design/build. An approach to remodeling that goes all the way back to the Egyptians, an approach that unifies and integrates every element of the remodeling process, from initial design to final completion. All under one roof, all in the hands of one company, and all with 100% accountability. If it worked for the pharaohs, you better believe it will work for you.
The beauty of design/build is in the simplicity of its structure. For comparison here is the way most remodeling jobs are currently handled.
With a regular remodeling job, the client typically consults with an architect who would draw up the plans for the project. Once a design has client approval the plans go out to bid to several general contractors. When the bids return, more often than not the client is surprised to learn that the architect’s initial estimate for the design is off by 50% or more. At this point the client’s architect must revise the design and resubmit the revised design to the general contractors so that they can revise their bids. This process may go several rounds, several thousands of dollars and often creates tension between all involved. This is a situation that lends itself to playing the blame game. If at the end of this excruciating process one of the general contractors is selected the process moves on to the next step. The contractor gives the client his contract and timetable. And voila, it begins! T’s crossed, I’s dotted, one nice straight line from beginning to end. The client assumes he’ll be enjoying that new addition, kitchen, whatever in a few months. The money is budgeted and the client can hardly wait. But in this case ‘wait’ may be the operative word.
Shortly into the job, the electrician tells the general contractor that he’s run into problems, because the plans weren’t drawn right (”problems” is a word the client is going to hear a lot). The contractor contacts the client who then has to track down the architect. Construction, of course, stops. Playing phone tag with the architect, who by now has moved on to other jobs, comes next. And when he is finally reached, he’s totally miffed that a subcontractor could possibly think his plans were anything less than perfection. Good lord, what’s the world coming to! And now the imbroglio heats up in earnest.
The electrician gets into it with the architect, the contractor wrings his hands in despair, and the client stands helplessly by. Finally, of course, agreement is reached on how to proceed, usually with no one assuming any responsibility for the error much less the delay.
But that’s far from the end of the story, because by now the general contractor’s subs have all gone off in different directions while the job was stalled. New work schedules, new supply delivery schedules, and just about new everything have to be re-figured. And it goes on, and on, and on. What doesn’t keep going on is the money budgeted for the remodel. It may be pretty much gone, period.
This scenario may be repeated may times before the job is finally finished ‘ late, over budget, and with probably a dozen compromises along the way. in summation, “the horror, the horror”. Now the typical design/build scenario: The client comes to the design/build firm with their ideas and concepts. The in-house design team which may include both an architect and an oterior designer, take the client’s needs and desire in to consideration and comes up with the design. It’s that simple, and the design process costs ½ as much as going to an architect.
But it gets even simpler. The in-house design team passes the blueprints on to the estimator who gets the best possible prices from suppliers and comes up with the total cost, and a construction timetable. Usually this is then presented to the client as a fixed price contract. And because the design/build firm is the general contractor on the remodel, everything is checked and double checked to make absolutely certain that everything will run smoothly and efficiently. They designed it ‘ now it is time to build it!
Since the process is under one roof with one primary source for accountability, the likelihood of squabbles, missed deadlines and cost overruns is much less likely.
Anyone who is contemplating remodeling plans in the future really owe it to themselves to sit down with a design/build firm in their area to talk about their project. Prospective clients should ask to see pictures of jobs that the design/build firm has done, and get testimonials from clients who have had jobs completed.
It doesn’t make any difference if you are planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel or a new garage. ft. addition. The design/build approach will ultimately save that client money, time and aggravation (probably a lot of aggravation). And, of course, the remodel has a much better chance of being the way you want it - on-time and on-budget.
JAY
Feb
17
Meredith Merchan asked:
My husband and I have an acre and a half behind our home and really wanted to do something special on part of it. We also just recently decided to renew our wedding vows and thought what better place to do it, than our very own home. Our dilemma began here because we did not have any ideas about what exactly we wanted. So over dinner one night we decided to talk about what we both envisioned for our wedding day, and what our budget would look like. Since we had been saving for this big event we were pleased with the amount we thought we could spend. So the next step was to look through some magazines, and watch a few remodeling shows on television for ideas.
It took us about a week and a half to get our ideas on paper and map out what we thought would function affectively for our family and still look appealing for future gatherings and events. We decided on a nice decorative gazebo with a beautifully lit pathway to its entrance. We also thought that we would put in decking section off to the side to provide for a dance floor, or future bar-be-que events at our home. The landscaping and gardens we decided we could handle ourselves with some hard work and planning, but the construction projects we knew better than to think we could tackle it. So we decided to look for a local general contractor that could meet our budget, and who shared our vision.
We wanted to be sure that we found the right contractor for the job, so we asked around to other people who had used him. We were glad we did, because we were able to even visit some sites where he had personally constructed other yard structures and other gazebos. This helped in the process to put our minds at ease using this particular contractor and his company.
We were also able to get a good idea of the material costs by calling around to local retail stores and asking a few questions. Then we spoke with this contractor and compared his quote with theirs. So far he seemed to be giving a fair price quote. One thing we really liked about this particular contractor was that he provided us a written quote and a list of the local retail stores that he tends to use or had used in the past. Not only was this helpful to compare costs, but also gave us a chance to ask others their opinion of this contractor.
Another aspect we appreciated about this contractor was that he provided a copy of his license and expiration dates. Over all, we were so pleased with this contractor because he provided a written contract that was easy to read, provided his name, address, phone number, license number, project description in detail, starting and completion dates, materials list, and a statement that said he was responsible for permits and inspections. He also provided us a warranty of workmanship and his guarantee. At the end of the project the contractor also provided a team that came out and cleaned-up all the mess and swept up any extra debris.
In the end, the total price was very accurate and the payment schedule ran smoothly. We were more than pleased with the working conditions during the building of the project and they always kept the site safe and as clean as possible. What more could a family ask for? Everything was completed on schedule and the wedding was on time too! Our guests had a wonderful time and they were so impressed with the gazebo and deck that many of our friends and family are considering using the same contractor to do some work in their yards too
HERSHEL
My husband and I have an acre and a half behind our home and really wanted to do something special on part of it. We also just recently decided to renew our wedding vows and thought what better place to do it, than our very own home. Our dilemma began here because we did not have any ideas about what exactly we wanted. So over dinner one night we decided to talk about what we both envisioned for our wedding day, and what our budget would look like. Since we had been saving for this big event we were pleased with the amount we thought we could spend. So the next step was to look through some magazines, and watch a few remodeling shows on television for ideas.
It took us about a week and a half to get our ideas on paper and map out what we thought would function affectively for our family and still look appealing for future gatherings and events. We decided on a nice decorative gazebo with a beautifully lit pathway to its entrance. We also thought that we would put in decking section off to the side to provide for a dance floor, or future bar-be-que events at our home. The landscaping and gardens we decided we could handle ourselves with some hard work and planning, but the construction projects we knew better than to think we could tackle it. So we decided to look for a local general contractor that could meet our budget, and who shared our vision.
We wanted to be sure that we found the right contractor for the job, so we asked around to other people who had used him. We were glad we did, because we were able to even visit some sites where he had personally constructed other yard structures and other gazebos. This helped in the process to put our minds at ease using this particular contractor and his company.
We were also able to get a good idea of the material costs by calling around to local retail stores and asking a few questions. Then we spoke with this contractor and compared his quote with theirs. So far he seemed to be giving a fair price quote. One thing we really liked about this particular contractor was that he provided us a written quote and a list of the local retail stores that he tends to use or had used in the past. Not only was this helpful to compare costs, but also gave us a chance to ask others their opinion of this contractor.
Another aspect we appreciated about this contractor was that he provided a copy of his license and expiration dates. Over all, we were so pleased with this contractor because he provided a written contract that was easy to read, provided his name, address, phone number, license number, project description in detail, starting and completion dates, materials list, and a statement that said he was responsible for permits and inspections. He also provided us a warranty of workmanship and his guarantee. At the end of the project the contractor also provided a team that came out and cleaned-up all the mess and swept up any extra debris.
In the end, the total price was very accurate and the payment schedule ran smoothly. We were more than pleased with the working conditions during the building of the project and they always kept the site safe and as clean as possible. What more could a family ask for? Everything was completed on schedule and the wedding was on time too! Our guests had a wonderful time and they were so impressed with the gazebo and deck that many of our friends and family are considering using the same contractor to do some work in their yards too
HERSHEL
Feb
12
How to Find a Home Remodeling Contractor-it’s not Who You Know as Much Knowing Where to Look
Filed Under Home And Family | Leave a Comment
Gary Belk asked:
Referrals are one of the best ways to find a good service provider. My business depends tremendously on our past clients and others who think highly of us and therefore refer us to people who need a good design/build contractor. Likewise our company also finds the trade contractors and suppliers we need by asking other people for referrals. But what if you do not know anybody to ask for referrals? Suppose you are new to an area and you just don’t know anybody who has hired a contractor. Or you can not find someone who hired a contractor that would they recommend. What options are open to you? Well, there are always the Internet, newspaper and yellow page ads. There are certainly lots of names out there. But how do you distinguish between the good and bad companies? Isn’t it risky to hire a company out of the phone book to come and work in your home? You have heard so many horror stories and you don’t want to have one one of your own! Isn’t there some organization that contractors who are ethical and always striving to learn more belong to? Some resource that would be able to make referrals to you of members who provide the kind of service you are looking for and who work in the area that you live? A local organization that was part of a national organization, working to hard to give consumers like you a quality contracting experience wherever you live in the United States.
I am truly pleased to tell you that such organizations exists. If you are remodeling you can find referrals of reputable contractors at www.nari.org and www.nkba.com.
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the premier organization representing remodeling contractors across America. NARI is more well-known in the East and Midwest. In those parts of the country hiring a NARI member is the norm because of the work the local chapters have done over the years. Members include general contractors, trade contractors, architects/designers, suppliers and others involved in providing services to homeowners. All NARI members are required to maintain the highest ethical standards in all aspects of their business. Continuing education takes place at the monthly meetings, which are open to members, non-members and the general public. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) provides referrals of contractors and designers that can help you determine the scope of your project, design it and build it. There are more than 40,000 NKBA members across the United States and Canada in 71 chapters/sub chapters across North America. Both NARI and NKBA provides remodeling contractor members the opportunity to be engaged in a formal education program, resulting in the individual member achieving several certifications and designations. The education programs are a rigorous procedure, involving much reading and a series of regular meetings and testing. One of the best aspects of these programs are that candidates get the opportunity to share experiences and learn from one another. The Internet has opened up a host of lists and blogs where homeowners can post reviews, stories and comments about service providers. I tend to think that the best of these is Angie’s List (www.angieslist.org). Companies on Angie’s List are there because their customer’s went to the trouble of adding them to the list and reviewing their service. A company can not pay or add itself to the list. Angie’s List is not available in all areas of the country but it is spreading fast. Also check into local services like the BBB or Diamond Certified to obtain information about a remodeling contractor. Diamond Certified conduct customer surveys prior to listing and also posts information about the contractor’s general liability and workers compensation insurance. The information is out there, look and learn before committing to a relationship with a remodeling contractor.
VINCE
Referrals are one of the best ways to find a good service provider. My business depends tremendously on our past clients and others who think highly of us and therefore refer us to people who need a good design/build contractor. Likewise our company also finds the trade contractors and suppliers we need by asking other people for referrals. But what if you do not know anybody to ask for referrals? Suppose you are new to an area and you just don’t know anybody who has hired a contractor. Or you can not find someone who hired a contractor that would they recommend. What options are open to you? Well, there are always the Internet, newspaper and yellow page ads. There are certainly lots of names out there. But how do you distinguish between the good and bad companies? Isn’t it risky to hire a company out of the phone book to come and work in your home? You have heard so many horror stories and you don’t want to have one one of your own! Isn’t there some organization that contractors who are ethical and always striving to learn more belong to? Some resource that would be able to make referrals to you of members who provide the kind of service you are looking for and who work in the area that you live? A local organization that was part of a national organization, working to hard to give consumers like you a quality contracting experience wherever you live in the United States.
I am truly pleased to tell you that such organizations exists. If you are remodeling you can find referrals of reputable contractors at www.nari.org and www.nkba.com.
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the premier organization representing remodeling contractors across America. NARI is more well-known in the East and Midwest. In those parts of the country hiring a NARI member is the norm because of the work the local chapters have done over the years. Members include general contractors, trade contractors, architects/designers, suppliers and others involved in providing services to homeowners. All NARI members are required to maintain the highest ethical standards in all aspects of their business. Continuing education takes place at the monthly meetings, which are open to members, non-members and the general public. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) provides referrals of contractors and designers that can help you determine the scope of your project, design it and build it. There are more than 40,000 NKBA members across the United States and Canada in 71 chapters/sub chapters across North America. Both NARI and NKBA provides remodeling contractor members the opportunity to be engaged in a formal education program, resulting in the individual member achieving several certifications and designations. The education programs are a rigorous procedure, involving much reading and a series of regular meetings and testing. One of the best aspects of these programs are that candidates get the opportunity to share experiences and learn from one another. The Internet has opened up a host of lists and blogs where homeowners can post reviews, stories and comments about service providers. I tend to think that the best of these is Angie’s List (www.angieslist.org). Companies on Angie’s List are there because their customer’s went to the trouble of adding them to the list and reviewing their service. A company can not pay or add itself to the list. Angie’s List is not available in all areas of the country but it is spreading fast. Also check into local services like the BBB or Diamond Certified to obtain information about a remodeling contractor. Diamond Certified conduct customer surveys prior to listing and also posts information about the contractor’s general liability and workers compensation insurance. The information is out there, look and learn before committing to a relationship with a remodeling contractor.
VINCE
Feb
11
Mandy Chagger asked:
self-build has become extremely popular over the past number of years and is basically self explanatory. It is simply choosing to build a property by yourself and in doing so; you can build the property to the specifications that you desire. Many people don’t realise that they don’t have to be a builder to self-build. In fact what you will most likely be doing is overseeing the entire project or project managing as it’s called. You can of course be hands on with the building if you prefer.
The design of your self-build should be finalised by a qualified architect or professional designer but you will have the overall say in what you want the designer to do. You will then be given completed blueprints which your builders will follow. You can hand the entire project over to a building contractor or you can undertake to save some money by doing as much of the work as you can. This is great for those who enjoy DIY.
The control that you have over a self-build has some great advantages and these include being able to use the latest technology in your design. You can choose to install underfloor heating, wiring for entertainment, your choice of lighting and so much more.
You are probably thinking that a self-build will work out a lot more expensive than buying an already built property but this is not true, and on average the self-build can save you over 30%. Self-build properties also have the added advantage of being almost 25% higher in price on the property markets too. This is why many people choose to self-build as an investment rather than a home.
Now that you understand the basics of a self-build let us look in detail at what an actual self-build involves.
Self-Build - What’s Involved Step-By-Step
Step 1: Obtaining Your Plot Of Land
The first thing that you have to do before you can start your self-build is to find an appropriate plot of land. You might also have to obtain planning permission and have the land assessed to ensure that it has not been contaminated. These steps are crucial to the self build project or similar undertaking.
Step 2: Financing Your Project And Set Your Budget
Once you have your plot of land your next step in your self-build process is to finance your new home. There are mortgage providers available to offer expert advice in this area. Once you have secured your finance the next step is to create a realistic budget and stick to it. The best way to ensure that your self-build budget is realistic is to do your research. You will need to find out what the going rate for all your building requirements are.
Step 3: Insurance For Your Self-Build Project
The next step is to arrange insurance for your project. Many people assume that all they need is site insurance and this can be a very costly mistake. When it comes to a self-build project you are the land owner and you are responsible for any accidents that might occur. It is therefore advisable that you take out public liability insurance and an insurance broker will be able to advise you on this.
Step 4: Starting Your Self-Build
Once you have everything above completed the next step is to find an architect to draw up your plans. After this, you will need to either hire a building contractor to carry out your self-build project or you can shop around and hire all the separate tradesmen needed yourself. If you choose to hire all the tradesmen yourself the best advice that you can follow is to attend a self-build show. These shows are held country wide and are an excellent place to source all the information you need.
When you attend a self-build show you will get to see live demonstrations from reputable contractors. You will also get all the information you need on how to complete your self-build without any hassle or stress. You will find hundreds of different offers and discounts and you can also view some amazing dream home designs.
At a self-build show you can get free invaluable advice from experts in the field and this can save you a great deal of money in the long run. Self-build shows are attended by supplies from all over Britain so your search for tradesmen for your self-build could be carried out in one day.
A self-build project can be very stressful and time consuming depending on how involved with the project you intend to be. It can also work out very expensive if you don’t stick to your allocated budget. Employing builders and other tradesmen can be difficult and this can take up a lot of your time. That being said however, going down this route really is the way to save on a great deal of expense.
WELDON
self-build has become extremely popular over the past number of years and is basically self explanatory. It is simply choosing to build a property by yourself and in doing so; you can build the property to the specifications that you desire. Many people don’t realise that they don’t have to be a builder to self-build. In fact what you will most likely be doing is overseeing the entire project or project managing as it’s called. You can of course be hands on with the building if you prefer.
The design of your self-build should be finalised by a qualified architect or professional designer but you will have the overall say in what you want the designer to do. You will then be given completed blueprints which your builders will follow. You can hand the entire project over to a building contractor or you can undertake to save some money by doing as much of the work as you can. This is great for those who enjoy DIY.
The control that you have over a self-build has some great advantages and these include being able to use the latest technology in your design. You can choose to install underfloor heating, wiring for entertainment, your choice of lighting and so much more.
You are probably thinking that a self-build will work out a lot more expensive than buying an already built property but this is not true, and on average the self-build can save you over 30%. Self-build properties also have the added advantage of being almost 25% higher in price on the property markets too. This is why many people choose to self-build as an investment rather than a home.
Now that you understand the basics of a self-build let us look in detail at what an actual self-build involves.
Self-Build - What’s Involved Step-By-Step
Step 1: Obtaining Your Plot Of Land
The first thing that you have to do before you can start your self-build is to find an appropriate plot of land. You might also have to obtain planning permission and have the land assessed to ensure that it has not been contaminated. These steps are crucial to the self build project or similar undertaking.
Step 2: Financing Your Project And Set Your Budget
Once you have your plot of land your next step in your self-build process is to finance your new home. There are mortgage providers available to offer expert advice in this area. Once you have secured your finance the next step is to create a realistic budget and stick to it. The best way to ensure that your self-build budget is realistic is to do your research. You will need to find out what the going rate for all your building requirements are.
Step 3: Insurance For Your Self-Build Project
The next step is to arrange insurance for your project. Many people assume that all they need is site insurance and this can be a very costly mistake. When it comes to a self-build project you are the land owner and you are responsible for any accidents that might occur. It is therefore advisable that you take out public liability insurance and an insurance broker will be able to advise you on this.
Step 4: Starting Your Self-Build
Once you have everything above completed the next step is to find an architect to draw up your plans. After this, you will need to either hire a building contractor to carry out your self-build project or you can shop around and hire all the separate tradesmen needed yourself. If you choose to hire all the tradesmen yourself the best advice that you can follow is to attend a self-build show. These shows are held country wide and are an excellent place to source all the information you need.
When you attend a self-build show you will get to see live demonstrations from reputable contractors. You will also get all the information you need on how to complete your self-build without any hassle or stress. You will find hundreds of different offers and discounts and you can also view some amazing dream home designs.
At a self-build show you can get free invaluable advice from experts in the field and this can save you a great deal of money in the long run. Self-build shows are attended by supplies from all over Britain so your search for tradesmen for your self-build could be carried out in one day.
A self-build project can be very stressful and time consuming depending on how involved with the project you intend to be. It can also work out very expensive if you don’t stick to your allocated budget. Employing builders and other tradesmen can be difficult and this can take up a lot of your time. That being said however, going down this route really is the way to save on a great deal of expense.
WELDON
Feb
10
Common Sense Guidelines for Selecting Building Contractors
Filed Under Home And Family | Leave a Comment
Jack Sternberg asked:
Good building contractors are worth their weight in gold for both homeowners and real estate investors! They’ll do the necessary work for you at a fair price and make your property look great, thus increasing its value! Moreover, if you’re an investor and you establish long-term relationships with reliable contractors, you may well receive a discount on their services, saving money in the long run.
Bad contractors, on the other hand, can cost you dearly, not only in terms of money but (for investors) in terms of reputation as well. Scam artists like to prey on homeowners, in particular. They use shoddy materials, find endless ways to charge money, leave jobs unfinished and on and on.
Obviously, whether you’re a homeowner or a real estate investor, you want to avoid bad contractors at all costs. So, here are some common-sense guidelines to help you choose quality individuals or companies.
Guideline 1: Make sure the contractors are licensed, bonded and insured by the state. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau.
Guideline 2: Ask for at least three references, then contact those references and ask for their opinion of the work done by the contractor. Also, ask if you can view the results.
Guideline 3: Ask around! If you’re an investor, check with other investors about contractors. If you’re a home owner, check with neighbors and ask to see the work done by contractors on their homes.
Guideline 4: Ask for bids or proposals from contractors and evaluate them carefully. Price is a consideration, of course, but it shouldn’t be the sole criteria in accepting a bid. You want quality work delivered at a fair price.
Contractors to Avoid
Con artists are endlessly inventive at scamming people out of their money. Nevertheless, here are some common contractor scams to be aware of. (Most scams are aimed at homeowners, but investors also need to be alert to other, more sophisticated scams.)
Scam Tactic #1: The contractor explains a low price by stating the material is left over from another job. He or she begins the work and everything looks good. But then, he says he requires additional money to buy more materials. Once you provide the money, he disappears, and you’re left with an unfinished job on your hands and empty pockets.
Scam Tactic #2: The contractor asks for all the money upfront. Once he has it, he disappears. You can avoid this scam by paying the contractor only for each step as it’s completed.
Scam Tactic #3: The contractor quotes you a low price for construction or repair and then uses substandard materials to get the job done. Use a local building inspector’s services to prevent or identify this kind of fraud.
Scam Tactic #4: The contractor charges you a fee to do a job inspection and the writing up of an estimate. He tells you the fee will apply to the cost of the work. Once you pay the fee, he never comes back. Reputable contractors don’t charge for inspections or estimates.
Scam Tactic #5: The contractor “low balls” you. That is, he quotes a very low price for the work, does it, and then hits you with a bill far beyond the original quote. If you protest, he becomes belligerent and claims you didn’t read the contract right and often bullies you with the threat of legal action. So, to prevent this fraud, get a contract in writing before work begins and make sure it clearly spells out the works to be done; e.g. specific steps and costs, timelines, dates, etc.
Key Point: Use common sense when selecting contractors. Follow the old adageif the proposal sounds too good to be true, then it probably is!
HAL
Good building contractors are worth their weight in gold for both homeowners and real estate investors! They’ll do the necessary work for you at a fair price and make your property look great, thus increasing its value! Moreover, if you’re an investor and you establish long-term relationships with reliable contractors, you may well receive a discount on their services, saving money in the long run.
Bad contractors, on the other hand, can cost you dearly, not only in terms of money but (for investors) in terms of reputation as well. Scam artists like to prey on homeowners, in particular. They use shoddy materials, find endless ways to charge money, leave jobs unfinished and on and on.
Obviously, whether you’re a homeowner or a real estate investor, you want to avoid bad contractors at all costs. So, here are some common-sense guidelines to help you choose quality individuals or companies.
Guideline 1: Make sure the contractors are licensed, bonded and insured by the state. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau.
Guideline 2: Ask for at least three references, then contact those references and ask for their opinion of the work done by the contractor. Also, ask if you can view the results.
Guideline 3: Ask around! If you’re an investor, check with other investors about contractors. If you’re a home owner, check with neighbors and ask to see the work done by contractors on their homes.
Guideline 4: Ask for bids or proposals from contractors and evaluate them carefully. Price is a consideration, of course, but it shouldn’t be the sole criteria in accepting a bid. You want quality work delivered at a fair price.
Contractors to Avoid
Con artists are endlessly inventive at scamming people out of their money. Nevertheless, here are some common contractor scams to be aware of. (Most scams are aimed at homeowners, but investors also need to be alert to other, more sophisticated scams.)
Scam Tactic #1: The contractor explains a low price by stating the material is left over from another job. He or she begins the work and everything looks good. But then, he says he requires additional money to buy more materials. Once you provide the money, he disappears, and you’re left with an unfinished job on your hands and empty pockets.
Scam Tactic #2: The contractor asks for all the money upfront. Once he has it, he disappears. You can avoid this scam by paying the contractor only for each step as it’s completed.
Scam Tactic #3: The contractor quotes you a low price for construction or repair and then uses substandard materials to get the job done. Use a local building inspector’s services to prevent or identify this kind of fraud.
Scam Tactic #4: The contractor charges you a fee to do a job inspection and the writing up of an estimate. He tells you the fee will apply to the cost of the work. Once you pay the fee, he never comes back. Reputable contractors don’t charge for inspections or estimates.
Scam Tactic #5: The contractor “low balls” you. That is, he quotes a very low price for the work, does it, and then hits you with a bill far beyond the original quote. If you protest, he becomes belligerent and claims you didn’t read the contract right and often bullies you with the threat of legal action. So, to prevent this fraud, get a contract in writing before work begins and make sure it clearly spells out the works to be done; e.g. specific steps and costs, timelines, dates, etc.
Key Point: Use common sense when selecting contractors. Follow the old adageif the proposal sounds too good to be true, then it probably is!
HAL