Dan Fritschen asked:


Whether you are remodeling, constructing an addition or making repairs to your house, it is important to know how to select a contractor who is right for the job and right for you. Contractor scams are one of the most frequently reported problems in the construction business. There are, however, a number of things you can do before you hire a contractor that will make the entire experience safer, more efficient, and less expensive in the long run.

The very first rule of hiring a contractor, especially if you need to make repairs after a fire, flood, or other natural disaster, is this: Never, ever hire anyone who comes to your door or calls you on the phone to offer their services. Legitimate, experienced, licensed contractors do not do business this way.

The first step in selecting a contractor is to begin with a clear understanding of the work you want done in your home. At the very least, think through what you want done and what you do not want done. A better idea is to write out on paper exactly what you want done. Define the project, set limits on the project, and try to describe how the completed work will look.

Second, get estimates. Select three to five contractors who do the kind of work you need. Have each of them come to your home and provide a written estimate of the cost of the work.

How do you decide who to ask for estimates? There are several ways to identify contractors:

* As friends, relatives, or neighbors if they have had similar work done. As them which contractor they used and if they were satisfied with the work.

* Call and ask the Better Business Bureau to recommend a local contractor.

* Use a referral service. These businesses pre-screen and certify the contractors they recommend. There are a number of internet referral services and services you can contact by telephone.

* Call your homeowners insurance agent and ask if there are local contractors with whom they have had good experiences.

* The last resort is to use the telephone book.
Call the contractors on your list. Confirm that they do the kind of work you need done, and ask if they provide free estimates. Most contractors will provide free estimates. While making this initial contact, confirm that they are licensed and insured. If they answer “no” to any of these questions, simply thank them for talking with you and move on to the next person on your list. Take notes on your conversations, carefully keeping information organized for each contractor. Be sure that you have at least three contractors scheduled to provide estimates.

When the contractor comes to your home, explain the work you want done. Ask the contractor to outline the best way to achieve your goals. Continue to take notes on your conversations. Ask the contractor to provide a detailed written estimate of the project, including any guarantees he/she makes or any statements about particular types of materials recommended. Thank the contractor for his/her time and set a time when you will notify him/her of your decision. This is also the appropriate time to ask for references, ask to see his/her license and proof of insurance. Check out any references provided by a contractor. You might also ask the contractor to identify recent similar work in the area. Go and look at those sites. If possible, ask those customers if they are happy with the work. Some of the questions you might want to ask these people include:

* Were you able to communicate easily with the contractor?

* Was the quality of the work satisfactory?

* Was the promised schedule maintained?

* Were your questions, complaints, or problems resolved quickly?

* Were the members of the work crew polite, neat, and respectful of your home and family?

* Would you use this contractor again?

When you have all of the estimates (at least 3), compare them carefully. Compare the estimates for more than price. Compare the details on the quality of materials, the quality of the work. Then rank the estimates in your mind.

The next step is to investigate the contractor and the information he/she has provided. Call the contractor’s insurance company to confirm that the insurance has not lapsed. Call the state licensing board to ensure the license is effective and that it has never been revoked for any reason. Check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure there have been no complaints against the contractor.

Finally, trust your instincts. If there is something about a contractor that doesn’t sound right or feel right, if something in the contractor’s behavior while in your home doesn’t feel professional, or if you just don’t trust one of the contractors who provided an estimate, don’t hire that contractor.

Now, make your final evaluation of all the information you have gathered. If the contractors are all reputable and they are proposing to complete the job in essentially the same way with the same quality of materials, their bids should be relatively close in price. If they are not, you need to ask yourself why one of the bids is significantly higher or lower than the others.

Once you have made your decision, notify the contractors you did not select for the job. Call and award the job to the contractor you have selected and request a written contract that specifies all of the details that made you select him/her, such as higher quality materials, better guarantee on the work, etc. Establish a start date for the project and an expected completion date. These dates should be included in the contract.

Remember this warning signs of disreputable contractors:

* They do not provide contracts for the work

* They do not guarantee the price of the job

* They give no definite date to begin or end the job

* They ask for money in advance of doing the job

* They are uncertain of how long it will take to complete the work

* They have no license or insurance

* They contact you first

Asking the right questions, checking facts, comparing estimates, and feeling comfortable with the contractor, should make your remodel or repair a safe and pleasant experience.

Copyright 2007 by ABCD Publishing



BOBBIE

Elijah James asked:


You wouldn’t pick the low bidder to do plastic surgery on you, so why pick a fly-by-night operator to give your home a facelift?

Picking a home improvement contractor is a lot like picking a roommate, you’re going to have to live with them for a while, so you had better pick someone you can get along with and trust. Here’s a few pointers:
Know what you want going in: If you already know exactly what you want and can communicate that to a home improvement contractor, that allows the contractor to tell you how he or she will complete your project.

If the home improvement contractor sounds knowledgeable about your specific requirements – knows how to install hardwood floors, is familiar with the type of window frames you want, etc. – it’s a good bet that he or she is a reliable professional. Conversely, if a home improvement contractor gives you the deer in headlights look when you discuss the advantages of a floating floor, you might want consider going with someone else.

Do further research: The more you know about the project you want to undertake, the better you’ll be able to direct your home improvement contractor. Also, knowing what’s up will also make it harder for your home improvement contractor to pad the bill with unnecessary additions or outrageous labor costs. Not that any of them would do that, of course.

Don’t believe the advertising: Remember, contractors pay for all those flashy ads and television spots. If you want to find out a home improvement contractor’s real value, ask for references and a portfolio.

Papers please: Most states have laws requiring home improvement contractors to be licensed and bonded. Ask to see your home improvement contractor’s credentials and also check your contractor’s certificate of insurance. Contractors in most states are required by law to carry worker’s compensation, property damage and personal liability insurance.

Ask questions: Word of mouth is usually the best reference when it comes to contractors. Talk to friends who have recently had work done and also ask other professionals like your plumber or landscaper who they would recommend. Also check with local building inspectors and other public officials involved in construction.

Get legal: Check with your local district attorney’s office, the Better Business Bureau, or small claims court to see if any your potential home improvement contractor is facing any pending litigation. In most jurisdictions, court records are available to the public, and you should be able to see if any judgments have been entered against the contractor for incomplete or shoddy workmanship or shady business practices.

Picking the right home improvement contractor is key to the success of your project. Be informed and be aware and you’ll ensure that you get a professional that’ll do your home right.



BORIS

Business Local Listings asked:


Constructing a home or commercial building can be daunting and oftentimes stressful. When building a residential or commercial property it is important that the entire construction is done safely and professionally. However, seeking the assistance of a general contractor will definitely take the load off.

The supervisions and management of big construction or renovation projects takes a lot of time and effort. It can also be a daunting commitment. Finding the appropriate professionals to heed these problems is the best way to complete any huge construction or renovation undertakings.

Responsibilities of a contractor

A contractor is a professional or a specialist that will take care and pay attention to any problems relating to construction or renovation of any property whether it is a residential or a commercial one. The supervision of the construction or renovation of the property falls on a contractor as well.

In this regard, it is important that a contractor, whether a commercial or residential contractor, is highly skilled, professional, experienced and knowledgeable. When hiring a contractor it is important to remember that an entire team is involve in the project.
A commercial contractor basically has the same duties as a general contractor. They provide manual labor and equipment needed for the construction or renovation of a property. Re-designing certain properties, using decorative concrete, masonry and carpentry are all part of the service provided by a builder or a contractor.

Benefits of hiring a contractor

There are many benefits in hiring a contractor for one’s construction or renovation needs. One of the biggest benefits of hiring a contractor is that all worry and stress of construction or renovation will be on them and not on the owner’s shoulders. Oftentimes, an owner would just have to inform the contractor of what they require and then the contractor will take care of the rest.

Another benefit of hiring one is that there is no need to hire the different specialists or workers needed to complete the project. As mentioned, a commercial or general contractor will provide manual labor. This includes all aspects of building from an electrician to a builder. Electrical and plumbing work will be taken care of whether it is for a commercial or residential property.

They are responsible of all aspects of the project from hiring and supervising subcontractors, ordering supplies needed for the project, getting building permits and scheduling any building inspections. Subcontractors range from plumbers, builders, painters to carpenters.

By hiring a contractor, one can relax in knowing that professionals are able to construct, repair, improve, demolish and re-decorate a property. A commercial contractor can also work with architects and designers to make the entire look of the property cohesive.

Hiring a contractor will also ultimately bring down the cost of building a property since they have access to wholesale products or materials.

Building or renovating a property does not only pay attention to the construction itself. By hiring a contractor, one is also able to pay attention to any mold problems. A contractor is an expert on mold remediation. They will be able to address any concerns or issues regarding mold formation by assessing the problem and resolving the manner in a professional and skillful manner.

A contractor will also inform and update any progress or delays on the construction or renovation of the property. A professional and experienced contractor will oftentimes provide a time line on when the project is expected to be done.

Hiring a contractor eliminates many of the problems or concerns one has when involve in a construction or renovation project. The benefits of hiring one is well worth the time and effort it will take to find a professional, skillful and experienced contractor.



EFRAIN

Susan Hu asked:


The more familiar you become with your home and the more home renovations/decorating you do, the better you’ll get at being able to decide if you need the services of handyman or a general contractor. Here are some things to consider, which will hopefully be helpful in providing some guidance in this area.

What to Consider Before Hiring a Contractor

The very first thing you should ask yourself before even considering hiring a contractor is, “Can I do this myself?” In other words, can you act as the general contractor and oversee the others doing the hands-on-work? The obvious benefit would be the money saved from not having to pay a professional. But there are other things to consider such as the many responsibilities entailed in taking charge of the role of the contractor. For instance, can you afford the time it will take away from your full time job? And if you’re fortunate enough to find subcontractors who are willing to work on evenings and weekends, it will eat into personal time and time that could be spent with loved ones.

Furthermore, to be a general contractor, you must have at least a rudimentary knowledge of construction or you won’t know if the people you’ve hired are doing a good job. Keeping all this in mind, let’s assume that you want to avoid a lot of hassle and save time by actually hiring a contractor.

Referrals are Essential

This is obvious but deserves repeating — referrals are essential. This is one obvious way to determine if the remodeling job that’s desired has a good chance to turn out the way you’d like it to. Don’t limit this to just getting a list of past satisfied customers. Make sure you visit the homes and personally see the work the contractor has done and be sure to chat with these satisfied clients. Ask if the work was done on time, on budget, and if they would hire this person again for a possible job in the future.

The General Contractor Is the Builder but Not the Creator

The general contractor and his team are skilled in building, but you have to have the vision of how you want your room to look! You must be the creator and be able to share that vision with your general contractor. There are at least two ways to go about doing this. If you have the money to spend on a designer, this person will draw up a detailed design (based on your desires and specifications of course) that will be the blueprint for the general contractor. If, however, you want to go a much simpler route, you can possibly avoid having to hire a designer by looking through magazines that specialize in featuring and contain photo spreads of renovated and decorated homes to find the layouts you want. Select the homes you like and tell your contractor you want it to look like this and if you want add some minor modifications like a different color for the cabinets. A qualified contractor should be able to emulate the photo and incorporate any or all of your changes to that picture. It’s a good idea to get final drawings of the overall design so that you know you’re both on the same page. Bear in mind that many magazines feature top of the line products in high-end homes, which may not be at your target budget.

Finances

Any properly prepared contract will include all the costs, not only for the general contractor but also for all his/her subcontractors as well. In terms of actual payment, prepare to pay in increments. You obviously wouldn’t pay all the money up front (just in case he/she absconds with the money without finishing or even beginning the job), and it’s not feasible to pay the fee all at the end, since he/she would need the money to pay the subs on a weekly basis.

Once you’ve gotten the referrals, chosen your contractor, secured the finances, and have finalized your vision, embark on a journey for a much happier home!

What Jobs Can a Handyman Do Instead of a General Contractor?

The easiest way to remember the distinction between what a contractor does and what a handyman does is “macro” and “micro”. Larger projects such as the renovation and makeover of an entire kitchen, bedroom, washroom, living room, etc. are considered macro jobs because they require a general contractor who works often times with subcontractors who specialize in different areas of renovation (examples: an electrician, a ventilation specialist, etc.) If however, you’d like a renovation done on just the door or window of one room, this would be a micro job that could be handled by one person. Smaller projects that don’t need a plumber or electrician can utilize the workmanship of a handyman, who, specializes in one or more of such micro renovation jobs.

What Kind of Prices Should I Expect to be Charged?

This really depends on many things: the scope of the job, the materials used, the time you want the job done by, and not to mention, the obvious quality of the handyman. One thing is almost certain, a general contractor will charge more than the handyman because the prior has greater expenses than the latter; namely paying the sub-contractors who work under them, whereas the handyman usually works alone. Now the best handymen, just like in any other field will probably charge more than others because better quality always requires a higher cost; most handymen charge by the hour. Keeping this in mind, it’s essential to get an idea of how long the project will take. Once you’ve both agreed on the time and budget, decide whether or not you’re willing to pay for a project if it goes over budget. Say this up front because if it’s up to the handyman, this person may assume budget is not an issue and bill you for the extra hours; a costly example of miscommunication indeed!

How Do I Find a Reputable Handyman?

The easiest way to find a handyman is to look in the Yellow pages, or do a Google search under, Home Repair, or Home Improvement. This however is not the most efficient way, unless you don’t care about the quality and cost of the work. In that case, just pick the first name on the list. But if you do care, the phone book and/or Google method can take you many hours phoning, getting cost estimates, and reference checks on all the handymen in the city. A more efficient way to go about finding a handyman is to talk to friends, family, and/or neighbors on your street, and ask them about the handymen they’ve hired for their home. If you like the work that was done, ask for the number and call to ask the handyman about other homes they’ve worked on. Just like a general contractor, a thorough check of a handyman’s past work is the best way to ensure present success in your home renovation.

Hire a Professional or DIY?

Depending on your budget, time constraints, and desired results, there are many factors when it comes to the options out. Many people aren’t even aware that a handyman can do much of the repair or upgrade work in the home. Celebrities like Ty Pennington may advocate DIY for most home improvement projects, but it’s good to know that when you’ve given up remodeling the bathroom yourself for an expert’s touch, there are plenty of hiring options. If you’re still unclear on what the difference is between a contractor and a handyman is, as an old colleague of mine put it, a handyman will assemble your IKEA furniture together – a contractor, won’t.



FABIAN

eling Contractors asked:


Los Angeles Kitchen & Bath  is an owner operated business with over 9 years of experience specialize in bathroom and kitchen home remodeling.

LAKB is serving LA county, ORANGE county, VENTURA county and SAN DIEGO county.

Los Angeles Kitchen & Bath is a licensed, bonded and insured company. We provides most everything you need to remodel your home, including;

Bathroom remodeling: The bathroom is both personal and public most useful room in your home. It can be one of the most enjoyable and spoiling rooms in your home. With our 3D design program, LAKB will illustrate your desired bathroom. Using a variety of materials like: tile, granite, travertine, marble, showers, Jacuzzi, tubs and more, help us upgrade the look and the use of your bathroom. In LAKB we learned to work according to your budget and help you remodel your bathroom or redesign a complete bathroom. 

Kitchen remodeling: Kitchen is usually the heart and the most focal point of your home. LAKB Remodeling found a way to make your dreams come true with a 3D design computerized program that illustrate you visually the way your kitchen will be looking like. We do: new cabinets, refacing, pre-fab and custom made cabinets. We use variety of colors and materials. LAKB will work and find ways to achieve the kitchen of your dreams with your affordable budget.                                                                           

products, Home Addition and New Construction, from several hundred brand-name manufacturers in the U.S. LAKB also designs Kitchens, Offices, Closet organizers and much more. LAKB offers a huge selection of various tiles, flooring, fixtures, countertops and cabinetry, all to be customized to your specifications.

With number one source of business being referrals from happy clients, we strive to create a beautiful environment for your day-to-day life, but also enjoy developing a lasting relationship with you the customer that often results in repeat business.

We are committed to providing the highest quality of construction services in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.  Our capabilities, talents, and experience will demonstrate how we not only excel at construction; but at how we establish this relationship of trust that can be counted and relied upon for every project we perform for you.

Come enjoy a remodeling experience that promises to be pleasant from beginning to end!

Call Us Now And Get A FREE Estimate! 8002397439

You Can Also Visit Our Web Site: http://www.losangeleskb.com



MONROE

Omion Emmanuel asked:


To get a building constructed can be very easy if you follow these steps I will be explaining to you. Before you begin at all or planning to do anything is better you know what is involved on that thing, and in your plan know how much you are going to spend,and you need to know the numbers of people you’ll be using so that you don’t end up paying people on your site that didn’t work for the day.

There are stages in building constructions that you must follow and requirements of labor varies but have it in your mind that anybody you bring to your site, work or not, they will have to be paid. And in case your first plan doesn’t work you can try another one.

A lot of books are out there advertising new innovations on building, you may be surprised to find out that what you need right now are right in those papers , and you have more opportunities of alternatives.

The reputation of your professional or contractor; how honest is he and which of his past jobs can he point to? who can stand for him, or recommend him to carry out your job.

Make sure this person is actually qualified for the job.

Whatever you estimate, our economy is besiege by unending inflation, you will always be expected to spend more at the end of the day, so earmark 20% of the estimate for your building for exigencies, though make sure you don’t stretch your budget to the limit, or what is the essence of a shelter if you don’t have money to provide food for you and your family?

It is important you approve your building plan because of future occurrences, the government can decide to turn your building to a road, what will you use to fight back or at least be paid compensation for your property. If you are a businessman with an approved plan you can turn your property as a collateral to obtain loan from the bank to help your business.

You and your contractor must have written agreement on a specific task he is to perform and also documents amount you pay him and always let him sign under to confirm amount of money you have paid to him, if you fail to do this, the probability is very high that you’ll quarrel over money with your contractor as the job progresses. I have seen several cases of this. If you feel what he’s charging is a bit on the high side is better you price lower and find out how your building will reflect the amount of money you are paying. Though the cheapest price is not always the best and the cheapest at the long run may end up being the costliest.

The safety of your workers on site is very important to avoid disaster let your contractor stipulates his health measures for his workers especially in a large building.

When you are not sure of a step you are about to take, please don’t hesitate to ask the professionals before you embark on it, it may ruin your plans when you don’t seek advice, and local contractors and professionals can be of immense benefits also when you need them at short notice. Remember you are employing and creating a job by giving out your project to be managed by a professional who may actually be your friend, but in this case this is business and should be treated as such.

When purchasing materials, always go for the best quality and don’t hesitate to ask for discounts, you will be shocked by the amount of money that will be returned to you. When your contractor is offering you a deal that is too sweet to your hearing and too generous to your purse then you may be heading for disaster. Building work is not always as smooth sailing as some people will make you believe.

You can also save cost unknowingly when you build the biggest possible size you can afford as it will cost less if done at the initial stage rather than as extension later on especially when you are sure of your capabilities.

There is no need for being unnecessarily apprehensive to get your building completed very fast, be patient to watch out for favorable weather when building and also give room for waste management, so that you don’t end up having no space for your septic, refuse and other wastes. Whatever kind of material you are purchasing make sure they will be ready when you need them and always make sure of the presence of services on the site before you purchase them.

Where you keep your materials is also important, are they safe? Using an artisan (bricklayer, carpenter, welder etc) to do the job of a professional like Architect, Structural Engineer etc. is not advisable on your site make sure everyone is qualified for the job at hand and don’t allow any contractor to decide for you because you are the boss and pay only when the job is satisfactory however, don’t cut corners because it will cost you more later.

You can get the best quality of materials in Nigeria, you may not need to go abroad for this, don’t accept poor quality material or workmanship for your job.



ROLANDO

Omion Emmanuel asked:


To get a loan to build a house, you must understand that a collateral is always needed. But not everybody is comfortable with this arrangement.What becomes of you if you are unable to pay back? Let’s talk about all the means then you choose the one most suitable for you.

1. PERSONAL SAVINGS

This is by far the most popular method people are using to get their house built, there is no fear of creditors knocking on your door and it gives a lot of rest of mind.

Honestly, no matter how small your salary is, you can build a house if you set your mind towards it. There is always a case of you saving from whatever your income is. Study has showned that 30% of the moderate level of what we get monthly goes to buying very unimportant goods and junks.

So you can cut unnecessary costly foods in costly restaurants.Sit down, make an inventory of wasteful spendings and start saving 20% only of your income, no matter how small in 2 years time you will start a home of your own,whatever you are able to save will be enough to start your house.

Professionals benefits most from this type, with upfronts, profit sharing and commissions amongst others.

Personal savings amongst others is the first option if you want to acquire a land and building a house.

ADVANTAGES

i. There is no debts to service or pay no matter the turns of things.

ii Rest of mind, since there is no creditor coming to knock on your door.

iii.It is healthy at the long run, when your mind is free of fear you are most likely to live a healtheir life and avoid hypertension.

iv. It gives you room to channel your earnings towards something valuable and gives you more responsibility.

DISADVANTAGES

i. It may take a long time to achieve your dream

ii It bites on your income and may moderate your style of living

iii.Staying for too long, might make somebody to loose interest altogether and abandon the project.

iv. There is alway fear of families of (Omo Onile) Landowners rising up to lay dubious claim on your land especially when the seller is dead, because of long time of building.

v. There is always probability that the savings might be converted for other uses.

vi. Inflation on cost of materials and labour may also be seriously catching in.

2. WORKPLACE MORTAGE AND LOANS

This is most atrractive to workers that are planning to invest in Real Estate. Though it is mostly used for personal buildings, but giving honest advice from me, it is better for you a young man or woman to build it, then rent out and let the building pays for the loan back while you sit down and collect rents . Then now use the dividends to finance another project.

The National Housing Fund remains the most attractive leeway for those who desire to build with loan especially the civil servant. It is designed by the government to aid the federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, with less bureauracy unlike before and it offers presently a maximum of N5m at an interest rate of 6% and a whopping 25 years of repayment tenor. This fund can be joined through any of the mortgage banks in Nigeria.

ADVANTAGES

i. Fast completion of building

ii. The paying back period is long and is remove automatically from your monthly income without you feeling the pinch because it is usually very small.

iii.The interest rate is very low.

iv. If you understand real estate, this opportunity can turn you into a millionaire.

DISADVANTAGES

i. You are indebted for a very long time.

ii. Interest rates no matter how small will still eat into your pocket.

iii.Sudden severance of your job, may leave you in the cold against your creditors, what if you are unable to get another job.

3. THRIFTS AND COOPERATIVES’ HOUSING SCHEMES

This method is becoming more popular among the young workforce and a lot of cooperative housing schemes are springing out daily. It employs the same old mold of operation, only that in this case you are expecting to own a home. All members pool resources together to build houses for each member in areas of choice. This is an alternative to mortgage for the low income earners, who makes monthly minimal contribution overtime.

ADVANTAGES

i. Just as in mortage loans, fast completion because of readily available funds.

ii. At times members purchase large expanse of land and divide between members which is more comparatively cheap, they get professionals to do the projects in large volume, and the professionals inturn charge less because of large numbers of jobs. Housing cost can be reduced by 25% with this method.

iii.Encourages other mutual benefits and promote friendliness.

DISADVANTAGES

i. It definitely goes without saying that the cooperative society of choice must be well researched and thoroughly investigated to ascertain the commitment and integrity of its members. Some members can decide to default and this may lead to the collapse of the cooperative club.

4. LAND SPECULATION & CAPITAL MARKETS

Have you packed into a developing area before, which is still full of vegetation? Within 3 months what you will notice is a surge in inflow of people of that location either they are trying to secure their land or are encouraged by the moving into the location by you, and are sure of meeting neighbours to talk to, transact business or probably for security, whichever, there is always a trend of people moving into a location because somebody like you have just moved in. So what happens? as you have more traffic, the value of properties in that area will naturally increase. So when you are buying a land, why not make it two or more, as you build one, the other plots will appreciate in value sell them and use it to complete your resident house.

ADVANTAGES

i. You may not feel the pinch of paying so much because of your investment that will augment for you.

ii. This may be a starting point for you in real estate investment, this will give you a first hand knowledge on how it works

iii.Benefits like naming of the street after your name and others.

iv. You are not bothered by repayment of loans, since you are building from your investment.

DISADVANTAGES

i. Because this is a fresh area with less development, you may not have access to some infrastructural facilities already existing in the main towns.

ii. It may take some waiting for other lands to appreciate before you can complete your project.

5. SOURCING OF LOANS FROM YOUR BANK

With consolidation of Nigerian Banks, there is a lot of money now available for business transactions, so banks these days are ready to loan you money to be able to complete your building, though this process is the most difficult to choose.

ADVANTAGES

i. Completion of job in time because of availability of funds

ii.If you are sure of the location then you may sell the building and make quick profit because of fast completion

DISADVANTAGES

i. Request for collateral

ii. Bureaucratic bottlenecks

6. DIVIDENDS FROM HIGH YIELD INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES (HYIP) AND SHARES

Some smart young couples are making use of this program to develop their homes stresslessly. Though high yield, high risk, this is by far the best and the easiest way I can recommend to anybody when building their house. Before present problems with most of the HYIPs, There is an high yield investment program being promoted by an Oil and Gas firm in Nigeria called Nospectus, you invest N450,000 in their company and they in turn by the end of every month will be paying you N40,000 in 12 months you would have made 100% turnover, and the good thing about this company is that you can withdraw your capital of N450,000 anytime you want to.( Also you have Clubfreedom among others.)

A couple grew theirs to N200,000 per month i.e. 5 slots and they build their house of choice so stresslessly, imagine having N200,000 per month as an additional salary without any further effort. “Note: though I am not recommending them, I know of quite a few people in this scheme.

There are a lot of HYIP’s also going on internet but you have to consult those that are already into it before you get defrauded. Less risky ones is to buy shares, bonds etc and use the profits to build your house.

“My general advice is to start small”

ADVANTAGES

i. Very easy to generate steady flow of cash for your building.

ii. The more investment , the more money to help in financing your building project.

DISADVANTAGES

i. High risk

ii. Shares may plummet

iii.Companies can pack up tomorrow

iv. Wrong decision by the investment company may lead to closure of business thereby affecting you.



MARIANO

Charlie McCurry asked:


Finding the Right Window Contractor

Home Sweet Home Improvement

Whether you’re planning an addition for a growing family or simply getting new replacement windows, finding a competent and reliable contractor is the first step to a successful and satisfying home improvement project.

Your home may be your most valuable financial asset. That’s why it’s important to be cautious when you hire someone to work on it. Home improvement and repair and maintenance contractors often advertise in newspapers, the Yellow Pages, and on the radio and TV. However, don’t consider an ad an indication of the quality of a contractor’s work. Your best bet is a reality check from those in the know: friends, neighbors, or co-workers who have had improvement work done. Get written estimates from several firms. Ask for explanations for price variations. Don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder.

Home Improvement Professionals

Depending on the size and complexity of your project, you may choose to work with a number of different professionals:

General Contractors manage all aspects of your project, including hiring and supervising subcontractors, getting building permits, and scheduling inspections. They also work with architects and designers.

Specialty Contractors install particular products, such as cabinets and bathroom fixtures.

Architects design homes, additions, and major renovations. If your project includes structural changes, you may want to hire an architect who specializes in home remodeling.

Designers have expertise in specific areas of the home, such as kitchens and baths.

Design/Build Contractors provide one-stop service. They see your project through

from start to finish. Some firms have architects on staff; others use certified designers.

Don’t Get Nailed

Not all contractors operate within the law. Here are some tip-offs to potential

rip-offs. A less than reputable contractor:

Solicits door-to-door

Just happens to have materials left over from a previous job

Only accepts cash payments

Asks you to get the required building permits

Does not list a business number in the local telephone directory

Tells you your job will be a “demonstration”

Pressures you for an immediate decision

Asks you to pay for the entire job up-front

Hiring a Contractor

Interview each contractor you’re considering. Here are some questions to ask.

How long have you been in business?

Look for a well-established company and check it out with consumer protection officials. They can tell you if there are unresolved consumer complaints on file. One caveat: No record of complaints against a particular contractor doesn’t necessarily mean no previous consumer problems. It may be that problems exist, but have not yet been reported, or that the contractor is doing business under several different names.

Are you licensed and registered with the state?

While most states license electrical and plumbing contractors, only 36 states have some type of licensing and registration statutes affecting contractors, remodelers, and/or specialty contractors. The licensing can range from simple registration to a detailed qualification process. Also, the licens¬ing requirements in one locality maybe different from the requirements in the rest of the state. Check with your local building department or consumer protection agency to find out about licensing requirements in your area. If your state has licensing laws, ask to see the contractor’s license. Make sure it’s current.

How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year?

Ask for a list. This will help you determine how familiar the contractor is with your type of project.

Will my project require a permit?

Most states and localities require permits for building projects, even for simple jobs like decks. A competent contractor will get all the necessary permits before starting work on your project. Be suspicious if the contractor asks you to get the permit(s). It could mean that the contractor is not licensed or registered, as required by your state or locality.

May I have a list of references?

The contractor should be able to give you the names and addresses of at least three clients who have projects similar to yours. Ask each how long ago the project was completed and if you can see it.

What types of insurance do you carry?

Contractors should have personal liability, worker’s compensation, and property damage coverage. Ask for copies of insurance certificates, andmake sure they’re current. Avoid doing business with contractors who don’t carry the appropriate insurance. Otherwise, you’ll be held liable for any injuries and damages that occur during the project.



DAVE

Richard Warren asked:


I write this article with some real specific experience on dealing with contractors and their subs. I have, in the past 30 years, had built 3 homes and renovated probably 10. With each of these projects I learned more and more lessons and with each asked my friends and family just to take a gun and shoot me if I ever even spoke of doing either again. My last experience in having a home built ended in a major cost overrun which taught me the legal lesson of the difference between the words “will” and “should”. You see my iron clad contract which made all of the provisions I requested and guaranteed the finished price stated that the final price “SHOULD NOT EXCEED X $$”. $40,000 later I discovered it should have said, “WILL NOT EXCEED X $$”. The word “will” affirming the agreement while the word “should” infers some sense of a possibility of the price changing and changing it did ending in a final demand by the contractor for the aforementioned $40,000 before I could move into the home. While most home contractors out there are legitimate and do great work, the list of nightmare contractors is long and represents thousands of lost dollars and a myriad of disappointments. To avoid hiring the contractor from hell I offer the following advice:

1. Make plans

Before you begin your process of locating, interviewing, investigating and hiring a contractor you should have a completed set of plans for your project including detailed drawings and specifications. Without these plans in place you are asking a tradesman to bid on a nebulous non specific job and you are asking for trouble. A conscientious contractor will want not only a complete set of blueprints but also a sense of what homeowners want out of a project and what they plan to spend. Once these plans are in place, stick to them. Making changes to plans after work begins could lead to cost overruns and delays.

2. Get recommendations

Start with your friends, family and neighbors. Check with the national associations of the trade that you wish to hire for a list of members in your area, Angie’s List, which is an on going internet site which lists real personal recommendations and warnings in your specific area, and maybe check an individual business with the Better Business Bureau. I hesitate to mention the BBB because this is an organization of paid members which in some cases may also skew their results. In smaller areas you may also talk with a building inspector, who should know which contractors routinely meet code requirements and may be able to give you advice regarding code requirements. Visit your local building supply or hardware store, they know the local contractors and which ones have the best reputations. Although most of the big box stores do have professionals that either they recommend or that they can sell you the services of, remember they are being recommended because of an existing relationship with the store. The store is likely making a profit on your transaction and thus their opinion may be skewed. In some cases you may have recourse back to the store but make sure that is the case and be aware that this arrangement may cause your cost to be higher. I have heard many horror stories about the contractor who was hired through the retailer only to disappoint the customer and satisfaction only coming after considerable effort if at all.

3. Call your prospective Contractors

Now that you have a list of possible contractors, consider that you are an employer interviewing a prospective employee. Make calls to each of your prospects and ask them the questions that you feel are important to you which should include the following: •Do they take on projects of your size? •Are they willing to provide references from suppliers or banks? •Will they give you a list of previous clients? Remember, though, they are not going to give you names of dissatisfied customers so you are going to have to do some of your own research on their work. •How many other projects do they typically have going at the same time? •Do they maintain their own tradesmen or do they have to depend on subcontractors? If they have to use subs you may be put in a position of having to research their reputations as well. Sub contractors can be the weakest link in the chain of getting your project done and are the easiest excuse your contractor can use for a lack of progress or delays on your job. It is important, therefore, that the contractor have a good relationship with his subs and is good with his scheduling of those subs. These answers should give you an idea of the company’s availability, reliability, how much attention they’ll be able to give your project and how smoothly the work will go.

4. Invite them over to see your job

Once you have made these phone calls, pick three or four contractors to show them your proposed project, to obtain an estimate and for further discussion and questions. A contractor should be able to answer your questions satisfactorily and in a manner that puts you at ease. It’s important that you feel comfortable with the contractor you choose, that you communicate well and that you have a sense of trust. Remember this person and their crews will be in your home for hours at a time.

5. Build trust by verifying the facts

Call up former clients to find how their project went and ask if you can see the finished job. Ask if they know of other customers of this contractor so that you can find additional references that didn’t come from the contractor himself. You should ask to see a current job site and see for yourself how the contractor works. Is the job site neat and safe? Are workers courteous and careful with the homeowner’s property and is this homeowner happy, so far, with his results?

6. Demand proof of proper licensing and insurance

Make sure the contractor is licensed to do business in your state and that he has proper general liability and workers-compensation insurance. Learn the requirements in your state and verify that contractor is licensed.

7. Get bids

To compare bids, ask everyone to break down the cost of materials, labor, profit margins and other expenses. Generally materials account for 40 percent of the total cost; the rest covers overhead and the typical profit margin, which is 15 to 20 percent. Don’t let price be your guide. I believe, that as hard as it is to do, you should disregard the lowest bid especially if it is significantly lower than the others. A bid like this can usually point to a desperate contractor or a major mistake in his calculations. Even though you may have the law on your side to enforce this contract you still will be burdened with the legal costs and efforts to win and you may end up with a project left unfinished or poorly completed. These situations may be more frequent as a sign of our current unhealthy economy. Beyond technical competence, comfort should play an equal or greater role in your decision. The single most important factor in choosing a contractor is how well you and he communicate. All things being equal, it’s better to spend more and get someone you’re with whom you are comfortable.

8. Discuss and agree upon a payment schedule

Payment schedules can also speak to a contractor’s financial status and work ethic. If they want half the bid up front, they may have financial problems or be worried that you won’t pay the rest after you’ve seen the work. For large projects, a schedule usually starts with 10 percent at contract signing, three payments of 25 percent evenly spaced over the duration of the project and a check for the final 15 percent when you feel every item on the punch list has been completed. In no circumstances should you exceed an initial payment of 30% as a down payment and even then only upon the delivery and acceptance, by you, of the all of materials.

9. Put it in writing/Obtain a contract

Draw up a contract that details every step of the project: the payment schedule as above; proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation, if a contractor does not have proper workers compensation insurance your home owners insurance or you personally may be held as liable; a start date and projected completion date; specific materials and products to be used; and a requirement that the contractor obtain lien releases (which protect you if he doesn’t pay his bills) from all subcontractors and suppliers. Insisting on a clear contract isn’t mistrust, it’s about insuring a successful project.

10. Pay by check or if possible by credit card

The use of a credit card gives you the leverage to charge back any disputed charges. If paying by check write it out to the contracting company rather than to an individual. Make final payments only when the work is completed to your satisfaction. A reputable contractor will not threaten you or pressure you to sign documents if the job is not finished properly.

Will these steps prevent problems? Yes. Is there still a chance that something will fall between the cracks and you will become the victim of a bad contractor? Yes. So practice vigilance. Be aware of what’s going on with your job and insist that problems be corrected as they happen. Don’t fall into a false sense of security and think that it will all be OK. Remember the first principle of “Murphy’s Law”….If any thing can go wrong, it will!!!



SANTOS

Mr.Andrew Caxton asked:


Sunroom contractors are the getaway to construct just the right kind of sunroom for your home. Whether you have just a corner to spare or a littered space to construct your sunroom. the sunroom contractors make things easy for you. They construct the sunroom in such a way that you can use it for your best purpose and needs. Consult with them to keep the budget limited to your pockets.

Adding a sunroom to your home can impart your surroundings a new elegance and sophisticated look. But to bring in that aesthetic feel in your sunroom. you need to contact a sunroom contractor who will shape and design the intricacies of sunroom construction. Sunroom contractors are everywhere but the key to the success of building a magnificent sunroom lies in your scouring for the right sunroom builder.

How To Find The Right Sunroom Contractor?

Look out for a contractor who will be able to provide you with an evaluation of what needs to be done and how much the construction will cost for you. A detailed estimate will help you to decide for the raw materials and the entire cost that will be involved in the sunroom construction. Make sure that you select a contractor who is licensed and insured and had been conducting his business for the past 5 years and can provide you with references for the other contractors who will provide you with the best raw materials.

There are many types of contractors ranging from kitchen remodeling experts to those who focus on constructing simple additions to the home. Get contractors who have the experience of working with zoning issues. including lot coverage and setback regulations. Since the sunrooms are aesthetic additions to small spaces in the home exteriors. so the contractors should know to make the most use of the small space. When you are contacting the sunroom company. remember to contact even the sub contractors like the foundation contractor. framing. electrical and drywall contractors.

When you are interviewing the contractors. you should ask their experiences in doing jobs that are similar to theirs. So you must choose a contractor who has the capacity to do multiple services on his own. Good contractors are quite proud of their reputation so you can make some additional enquiry by speaking to the previous customers that they have worked. When you are interviewing the sunroom contractors. make sure that you ask for their instant plans. It’s very important to know whether they are using standard sunroom designs or customizing the sunrooms to fit your needs. However. another factor you should look for is the material kinds that they are using for different sunrooms. These items include tempered glasses. security locks. full-screen windows. skylights. sliding doors. French doors and other specialty installations.

After such intense survey. you should visit the references of the contractors to know better about these contractors. Ask them whether the sunroom was completed in time. whether the material was durable or how he had been able to introduce his imagination on the sunrooms. If you are given a chance of scrutinizing the new building constructed by the specific sunroom contractor. then you should look after the following points. Notice whether the walls. floors. ceilings and doorways are even or not. whether the doors and windows are trim and properly installed or not. or whether any part of the constructions have any leakage problems or not. Once you complete your survey. you will definitely get a sunroom contractor who will be able to suit your needs.

Sunroom Contractors Near Houston

You can begin with a business as a sunroom contractor if you want to earn lucrative money profits. The business is very profitable because the sunrooms are built of superior products and there are constantly new products available in the market. so the sunrooms can be of highest quality. This will not only help you to earn money but also high-end reputation in the field of sunroom construction. To be special from other sunroom contractors. you can use state-of-the-art products like energy efficient glazing options. comfort glide shade systems. custom designed options and galaxy skylights. You can also enjoy the benefits of being an authorized contractor and belong to some reputable company. The benefits of such an option include no franchise fees. free training. shop drawings with very projects and architectural design assistances.

Sunroom contractor near Houston can be of great importance as they can build the best of all sunrooms. Whether you are dreaming to expand an unused corner of your home exteriors. or want to make proper utilization of the outside spaces in your garden. sunroom contractors can do it for you anytime. They have that wonderful skill that helps them to create spacious sunrooms without the high cost of traditional constructions. The sturdy structure of the sunrooms is made with custom-manufactured materials that are designed to complement the wonderful look of the home architecture. So when you want the best of all sunroom constructions. then you can approach the sunroom contractors near Houston who will create masterpieces in your home.

The exclusive quality of the sunroom products makes it the Cadillac of the industry. Now it’s your duty. you have to select a sunroom contractor who can add elegance to the exteriors of your home and make it an epitome of peace. luxury and comfort.



MILLARD