Oct
7
How to Find the Best Contractor
Filed Under Remodeling | Comments Off
Timothy Clark asked:
It’s finally time to tackle that big home improvement project you’ve always wanted to do. Or, you might have waited so long, now you need to do the project. Which leads to your first question - “Where do I start?”
Well, the truth is… some jobs are simply too big, too complicated, or require too much time to handle on your own. Whether it’s remodeling a kitchen, installing gutters, or electrical rewiring for your business - you’ll likely need an expert.
“Fine,” you say. “How can I protect myself and make sure I find a great contractor?” I’m glad you asked. Here are some standard tips you can follow to make sure your repair, remodel, or installation goes well:
Got License? Most states require that a contractor have a license to operate in that state. Once you find a contractor, check to see if he or she has a local contracting license to do the job. Check out our Resources Page for the State Licensing Board for your state requirements.
Check References - get at least three references from satisfied clients. And if you want to get really fanatical, go to the contractor’s current job site. See if the site is messy. Are the workers taking care of the property?
Get Bids - if you have the luxury, get multiple bids from several contractors. Don’t always assume that the lowest bid is the best, because that contractor may be desperate for work or might cut corners on the job. But if you get contractor’s from several sources, you could get a really great deal.
Get it in Writing - the days of the “handshake deal” are far behind us. Get a detailed contract together and throw everything in (even if the project doesn’t involve the kitchen sink!) The more you clarify, the fewer headaches you’ll have if things go wrong.
Do You Take a Check? Don’t ever pay in cash. Can you say, “Proof of payment”? I thought you could… Keep logs of all payments (for example - 10% down, 20% by one date, another 20% by another date, final payment when work is complete) and pay with check or credit card only.
“Wait a minute!” you protest, “That sounds like a lot of work!” Sure it does. Because it is a lot of work. If you think a renovation or remodeling job is expensive, imagine having to pay for it twice! Do your homework and you’ll avoid being a horror story.
“Are there any warning signs of a bad contractor?” you ask. Boy, you sure do ask a lot of questions. And that’s good. Always ask a lot of questions. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to handle the unexpected.
Okay, these are signs a contractor might not be your best choice:
If required by the state, your contractor doesn’t want to show you his or her license. Or won’t give you references. Or you two don’t get along. Keep in mind: this person may be in your home, working side-by-side with you, for several months - you’d better get along!
Your contractor wants you to pay for the entire project… up front. Run for the hills.
Your contractor has a “friend” in the financing business that can get you a “good deal” on a loan for your project. You’ll end up with a huge “2nd mortgage” at a ridiculously “high rate” and your “contractor” just got a juicy “commission” on the deal.
Your contractor doesn’t have a business address, a business card, and it looks like the contractor sleeps in his or her pickup truck. Run really fast for those hills.
Okay. Now that you know about the warning sign. And here are some signs you may have found a really good contractor:
The contractor has at least 4 to 5 years experience. It shows they can manage their business and complete their projects.
The contractor has insurance. Liability and worker’s compensation are the most important types of coverage to make sure everyone is covered.
The contractor has more than references - he or she may even carry a book of photos showing past work projects that have been completed.
The contractor provides cost breakdowns for the job. These breakdowns show specific details of what the project will cost to complete.
The contractor is flexible. Communicate all your requirements and specifications for the project. Whether you two decide that you want to supervise the work or you want to let the contractor make all the decisions, your contractor will be flexible enough to work with you.
“Okay, am I ready?” Yes, now you’re ready to hire a professional to help get your home or business improvement project off the ground. One of the best ways to protect yourself is the act of due diligence. Webster’s defines due diligence as: “The care that a prudent person might be expected to exercise in the examination and evaluation of risks affecting a business transaction.” In simplified terms - Do your homework. And you’ll do just fine.
Have fun and make the most out of your experience. Don’t forget to return to www.ConstructionDeal.com when it’s time for your next residential or commercial improvement, repair, or remodeling job. And send us your “Before and After” pictures!
SANFORD
It’s finally time to tackle that big home improvement project you’ve always wanted to do. Or, you might have waited so long, now you need to do the project. Which leads to your first question - “Where do I start?”
Well, the truth is… some jobs are simply too big, too complicated, or require too much time to handle on your own. Whether it’s remodeling a kitchen, installing gutters, or electrical rewiring for your business - you’ll likely need an expert.
________________________________________________________________________
“Fine,” you say. “How can I protect myself and make sure I find a great contractor?” I’m glad you asked. Here are some standard tips you can follow to make sure your repair, remodel, or installation goes well:
Got License? Most states require that a contractor have a license to operate in that state. Once you find a contractor, check to see if he or she has a local contracting license to do the job. Check out our Resources Page for the State Licensing Board for your state requirements.
Check References - get at least three references from satisfied clients. And if you want to get really fanatical, go to the contractor’s current job site. See if the site is messy. Are the workers taking care of the property?
Get Bids - if you have the luxury, get multiple bids from several contractors. Don’t always assume that the lowest bid is the best, because that contractor may be desperate for work or might cut corners on the job. But if you get contractor’s from several sources, you could get a really great deal.
Get it in Writing - the days of the “handshake deal” are far behind us. Get a detailed contract together and throw everything in (even if the project doesn’t involve the kitchen sink!) The more you clarify, the fewer headaches you’ll have if things go wrong.
Do You Take a Check? Don’t ever pay in cash. Can you say, “Proof of payment”? I thought you could… Keep logs of all payments (for example - 10% down, 20% by one date, another 20% by another date, final payment when work is complete) and pay with check or credit card only.
“Wait a minute!” you protest, “That sounds like a lot of work!” Sure it does. Because it is a lot of work. If you think a renovation or remodeling job is expensive, imagine having to pay for it twice! Do your homework and you’ll avoid being a horror story.
“Are there any warning signs of a bad contractor?” you ask. Boy, you sure do ask a lot of questions. And that’s good. Always ask a lot of questions. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to handle the unexpected.
Okay, these are signs a contractor might not be your best choice:
If required by the state, your contractor doesn’t want to show you his or her license. Or won’t give you references. Or you two don’t get along. Keep in mind: this person may be in your home, working side-by-side with you, for several months - you’d better get along!
Your contractor wants you to pay for the entire project… up front. Run for the hills.
Your contractor has a “friend” in the financing business that can get you a “good deal” on a loan for your project. You’ll end up with a huge “2nd mortgage” at a ridiculously “high rate” and your “contractor” just got a juicy “commission” on the deal.
Your contractor doesn’t have a business address, a business card, and it looks like the contractor sleeps in his or her pickup truck. Run really fast for those hills.
Okay. Now that you know about the warning sign. And here are some signs you may have found a really good contractor:
The contractor has at least 4 to 5 years experience. It shows they can manage their business and complete their projects.
The contractor has insurance. Liability and worker’s compensation are the most important types of coverage to make sure everyone is covered.
The contractor has more than references - he or she may even carry a book of photos showing past work projects that have been completed.
The contractor provides cost breakdowns for the job. These breakdowns show specific details of what the project will cost to complete.
The contractor is flexible. Communicate all your requirements and specifications for the project. Whether you two decide that you want to supervise the work or you want to let the contractor make all the decisions, your contractor will be flexible enough to work with you.
“Okay, am I ready?” Yes, now you’re ready to hire a professional to help get your home or business improvement project off the ground. One of the best ways to protect yourself is the act of due diligence. Webster’s defines due diligence as: “The care that a prudent person might be expected to exercise in the examination and evaluation of risks affecting a business transaction.” In simplified terms - Do your homework. And you’ll do just fine.
Have fun and make the most out of your experience. Don’t forget to return to www.ConstructionDeal.com when it’s time for your next residential or commercial improvement, repair, or remodeling job. And send us your “Before and After” pictures!
SANFORD
Sep
17
How to Find a Good Contractor
Filed Under Remodeling | Comments Off
John Grisler asked:
How to find a good contractor is a question that all homeowners eventually have to answer.
First things first.
Finding a good contractor comes down to your own personal desires for service, reliability, trust, confidence, and satisfaction. You have to decide before you make any phone calls for estimates, exactly what it is you are looking for in a contractor. I guess what I am saying is this:
* It is true that you get what you pay for.
* You also get who you decide on.
* Sometimes you don’t get what you think you’re going to get.
* Sometimes you do get what you don’t want.
* Sometimes you get more than you thought you would get.
Over the years I have talked with thousands of people about their heating and cooling systems, about repairing them, replacing them and installing them. I have met people who are first and foremost concerned with getting the job as cheaply as possible and then want no further contact. I have met people who want the job done as cheaply as possible and then expect to get premium quality customer service and expect top notch super quality installation. I have met people who were looking for the best possible system with out concern for the price, their concern was quality and reliability and they expect great customer service. I have met people who wanted the middle of the road equipment, and had no more expendable money and were extremely cautious about who installs their system. I also met people who, wanted the top brand, but did not want to pay for it.
I tend to get customers who are looking for someone they can trust and want to recommend to their family and friends. My customers all know that If I don’t answer the phone immediately, that I WILL call them back right away. Just because a company has a lot of people working for it and has a receptionist answering the phone does not mean that they care one bit about whether the system that you bought from them works or not. Some people find out the hard way that a company is only as good as they people who care about it.
With that in mind, here is what I suggest that you could do to narrow down your search. Once you decide what your priorities are in the following categories:
* Customer service
* Brand quality
* Brand durability
* Reliability - equipment and contractor
* Energy efficiency
* Contractor responsiveness
* Contractor customer concern
* Contractor follow up
* Warranties
* Future repair cost
* Environmental impact
* Contractor honesty
You have to understand that just opening the phone book is a matter of luck and it’s a crap shoot. Use these techniques to level the playing field between you and your contractor.
1. You should start the search by contacting at least 5 good friends and ask them who they had install their heating and air conditioning system. Ask them questions about their contractor that you want to hear good answers to. I suggest this list of questions be at least 20 questions long and cover everything from how the contractor responds to phone calls to how well the system heats and cools the home and how good the quality of work was. Did the contractor take care of their home while working? Is the system loud and numerous other things you may be concerned about.
“One thing to note here“ is that while not every one will put drop cloths down and wear booties, this means nothing if the installers have no really good technical expertise about what they are doing. I’d rather have a guy I have to clean up after and not have problems with his equipment, than to have someone who kept my house clean and have to repair their job shortly after it’s installed.
You should ask your friend if the contractor gave them the installation book that came with the equipment and if he filled out the warranty card and mailed it in or if your friend was given operating instructions about the thermostat and the equipment because that’s important stuff. If the contractor did not take time to fill out the warranty card and did not concern himself with giving your friend the operating manual, you have to ask what other steps in the installation process he may have missed because chances are he missed something.
2. You can go to your city building department and ask for a copy of all of the permits pulled in the city in the previous month or two. Depending on the city you might be able to go back a year or more. Usually the city will charge you a small fee for this service and it’s all public information.
Once you get the list, you can scroll through the list of permits and addresses and home owner names. Lets say you decide you’re interested in talking to XYZ company about an estimate. Now you look at the permit list and see all the jobs XYZ company pulled permits on, then when you ask the XYZ company for references you can ask for specific names of customers who have had them do work in the past based on that permit list. You are no longer in the passenger seat about referrals you are dictating who you want to speak to.
Imagine the power you will have when you ask for references and the contractor gives you a list of names of customers who are not on your list and then you ask the contractor to ask the customers that you want to speak to, if its ok to contact them. If he tries to evade the request or makes up some excuse why you can’t talk to the customers on your list, you may have a real indicator that there is possibly something wrong with what that customer thinks about the job that was done for them. If he agrees to contact the customer and get back to you, I would defiantly expect to have an answer within 24 hours on a majority of your requests. I mean don’t give him time to go back and repair a job he screwed up. A reasonable time period is 24 hrs. Sure the customer may be out of the country, but what are the chances of every one on your list being un reachable?
We could assume for sure that once in a while a customer would not want someone else contacting them but the chances of every customer on your requested customer list not wanting to give your contractor a referral are pretty thin.
I would avoid like the plague any contractor who would not want you to speak with a majority of the people on your list of his past customers, based on the city permits pulled. You can do this in multiple cities and get a really good idea about your potential contractor.
You can also ask the city about the permit and if it is completed or not. I believe that you can ask to see copies of the file on the job to see how many correction lists the permit had on it before the inspector gave it final approval. If you find that your contractor is having tons of corrections on each job you look at, maybe the contractor is careless or just not up to date on the latest codes. Every heating and air conditioning contractor may have a correction list here or there, simply because different inspectors look at the same job differently, but if you find the contractor correction lists are 5-10 corrections or more on every job, the contractor may just be careless.
Good Luck
DENNY
How to find a good contractor is a question that all homeowners eventually have to answer.
First things first.
Finding a good contractor comes down to your own personal desires for service, reliability, trust, confidence, and satisfaction. You have to decide before you make any phone calls for estimates, exactly what it is you are looking for in a contractor. I guess what I am saying is this:
* It is true that you get what you pay for.
* You also get who you decide on.
* Sometimes you don’t get what you think you’re going to get.
* Sometimes you do get what you don’t want.
* Sometimes you get more than you thought you would get.
Over the years I have talked with thousands of people about their heating and cooling systems, about repairing them, replacing them and installing them. I have met people who are first and foremost concerned with getting the job as cheaply as possible and then want no further contact. I have met people who want the job done as cheaply as possible and then expect to get premium quality customer service and expect top notch super quality installation. I have met people who were looking for the best possible system with out concern for the price, their concern was quality and reliability and they expect great customer service. I have met people who wanted the middle of the road equipment, and had no more expendable money and were extremely cautious about who installs their system. I also met people who, wanted the top brand, but did not want to pay for it.
________________________________________________________________________
I tend to get customers who are looking for someone they can trust and want to recommend to their family and friends. My customers all know that If I don’t answer the phone immediately, that I WILL call them back right away. Just because a company has a lot of people working for it and has a receptionist answering the phone does not mean that they care one bit about whether the system that you bought from them works or not. Some people find out the hard way that a company is only as good as they people who care about it.
With that in mind, here is what I suggest that you could do to narrow down your search. Once you decide what your priorities are in the following categories:
* Customer service
* Brand quality
* Brand durability
* Reliability - equipment and contractor
* Energy efficiency
* Contractor responsiveness
* Contractor customer concern
* Contractor follow up
* Warranties
* Future repair cost
* Environmental impact
* Contractor honesty
You have to understand that just opening the phone book is a matter of luck and it’s a crap shoot. Use these techniques to level the playing field between you and your contractor.
1. You should start the search by contacting at least 5 good friends and ask them who they had install their heating and air conditioning system. Ask them questions about their contractor that you want to hear good answers to. I suggest this list of questions be at least 20 questions long and cover everything from how the contractor responds to phone calls to how well the system heats and cools the home and how good the quality of work was. Did the contractor take care of their home while working? Is the system loud and numerous other things you may be concerned about.
“One thing to note here“ is that while not every one will put drop cloths down and wear booties, this means nothing if the installers have no really good technical expertise about what they are doing. I’d rather have a guy I have to clean up after and not have problems with his equipment, than to have someone who kept my house clean and have to repair their job shortly after it’s installed.
You should ask your friend if the contractor gave them the installation book that came with the equipment and if he filled out the warranty card and mailed it in or if your friend was given operating instructions about the thermostat and the equipment because that’s important stuff. If the contractor did not take time to fill out the warranty card and did not concern himself with giving your friend the operating manual, you have to ask what other steps in the installation process he may have missed because chances are he missed something.
2. You can go to your city building department and ask for a copy of all of the permits pulled in the city in the previous month or two. Depending on the city you might be able to go back a year or more. Usually the city will charge you a small fee for this service and it’s all public information.
Once you get the list, you can scroll through the list of permits and addresses and home owner names. Lets say you decide you’re interested in talking to XYZ company about an estimate. Now you look at the permit list and see all the jobs XYZ company pulled permits on, then when you ask the XYZ company for references you can ask for specific names of customers who have had them do work in the past based on that permit list. You are no longer in the passenger seat about referrals you are dictating who you want to speak to.
Imagine the power you will have when you ask for references and the contractor gives you a list of names of customers who are not on your list and then you ask the contractor to ask the customers that you want to speak to, if its ok to contact them. If he tries to evade the request or makes up some excuse why you can’t talk to the customers on your list, you may have a real indicator that there is possibly something wrong with what that customer thinks about the job that was done for them. If he agrees to contact the customer and get back to you, I would defiantly expect to have an answer within 24 hours on a majority of your requests. I mean don’t give him time to go back and repair a job he screwed up. A reasonable time period is 24 hrs. Sure the customer may be out of the country, but what are the chances of every one on your list being un reachable?
We could assume for sure that once in a while a customer would not want someone else contacting them but the chances of every customer on your requested customer list not wanting to give your contractor a referral are pretty thin.
I would avoid like the plague any contractor who would not want you to speak with a majority of the people on your list of his past customers, based on the city permits pulled. You can do this in multiple cities and get a really good idea about your potential contractor.
You can also ask the city about the permit and if it is completed or not. I believe that you can ask to see copies of the file on the job to see how many correction lists the permit had on it before the inspector gave it final approval. If you find that your contractor is having tons of corrections on each job you look at, maybe the contractor is careless or just not up to date on the latest codes. Every heating and air conditioning contractor may have a correction list here or there, simply because different inspectors look at the same job differently, but if you find the contractor correction lists are 5-10 corrections or more on every job, the contractor may just be careless.
Good Luck
DENNY
Sep
13
Residential Home Improvement Contractors: Protect yourself With These Tips
Filed Under Remodeling | Comments Off
Dan Fritschen asked:
As I say so frequently that I’m beginning to bore myself, “most remodeling contractors are honest and reliable individuals who want to do quality work at a reasonable price.” Unfortunately, there are just enough contractors out there (or people who claim to be contractors) who take advantage of their customers that some reminders and tips are helpful if you want to do everything possible to protect yourself and your property during home improvement.
1. Don’t make assumptions about referrals. Exercise the same due diligence in evaluating and checking out all contractors. You might have friends or relatives, co-workers or neighbors referring you to contractors they have used with good results. Many people are also simply trusting recommendations from home improvement stores. Even when you are referred to a contractor, check him or her out before you sign a contract. Consumer Reports recently released findings from a study of people who hired contractors to whom they were referred by the two leading home improvement stores. Their survey indicated that people who used these referrals had more problems and were less satisfied with the work than people who used other contractors.
2. Build your remodeling budget in a way that creates a 20% cushion for unexpected surprises. Although the National Association of the Remodeling Industry suggests an allowance of 10% to 20%, I think you are safer to budget for a 20% cost overrun due to surprises. There are literally hundreds of things that can happen or that can be discovered once remodeling begins that will result in a cost overrun. It is not uncommon, for example to discover termite damage, dry rot, damage from leaking pipes, outdated wiring, etc. My point is that you should not use your entire budget on the basics. You will be much more comfortable with your budget if you leave room for surprises.
3. Get a contract — don’t deal with a contractor on the basis of a proposal. If at all possible, get a contract that states a final price for the work, not an estimated cost that can go up or down. Your contract should be as specific as possible and as detailed as possible. It should also contain some kind of warranty for both the installation and the products or materials. You can also specify in the contract that all materials used will be new materials and meet the standards outlined in the contract. It should also state that any changes made during the construction period will be authorized only by written change orders that explain the difference in cost up front. If a contractor is unwilling to sign a contract stating the final price of the remodel, find another contractor.
4. Know what your insurance covers and take out a liability policy if necessary. It is usually easy to call your insurance agent and ask what is covered in terms of damage to your property, loss of property or possessions, and injury or death of a worker on your property during the construction period. You should also be certain that the contractor carries workman’s compensation insurance and liability insurance against injury or death of a worker and against damage or loss to your property or possessions. If you have any concerns about adequate coverage, discuss it with your insurance agent and consider taking out an additional policy during the construction period.
5. Monitor all liens placed against your property during construction (construction liens) by any contractor or subcontractor and ensure that they are removed when the project is finished and the contractor is paid in full. There are unscrupulous contractors who accept payment for a job and then do not remove the liens. In most of these cases, the homeowner is not aware of the lien until some time later when trying to sell the home or take out a loan for further improvements. When homeowners try to resolve the issue, the contractor claims that the bill or part of the bill was never paid and demands payment before removing the lien.
7. Never pay a contractor the entire bill up front. Work out a payment schedule that reflects work completed, and put the payment schedule in the contract.
8. Specify the quality of workmanship and the quality of materials to be used in the remodel or addition in the contract. Not only should you specify materials quality, you should check materials to ensure compliance with the terms of the contract as they are delivered to the construction site. Insist that the costs of all building materials be specified.
9. Include all job specifications in the contract. The more specific the description of the work to be done, the more protection you have. Job specifications state exactly what work is to be done, how it is to be done, the quality of materials to be used, when it is to be complete, and that it must pass inspection.
10. Check all licenses, permits, proof of insurance, and state or local certification before you hire a contractor or subcontractor. Check to be certain the contractor has or obtains all necessary permits, licenses and certificates. Check with issuing agencies or insurance companies to confirm that insurance and licenses are current.
11. Insist that the contractor show you proof of bond coverage for the total replacement cost of the project.
12. Be sure the contract includes the appropriate information about how conflicts will be resolved, when and how the contract will be or can be terminated, and that lien releases will be provided upon payment.
13. If you give the contractor a key to your home for use during the construction period, change the locks as soon as construction is completed.
14. Take the necessary steps to protect your property and your possessions. Put away all valuables in a safe place. Define the construction area for everyone — tell your family not to enter the area during working hours; define limits of access to the rest of your home for the work crew. Protect your landscaping by covering shrubs if necessary and taking other steps to reduce accidental damage. Seal off the construction area from the rest of the house to confine dust, etc.
15. If you are remodeling an old home, make sure any work with potentially hazardous materials is done under the safest conditions and that hazardous materials are completely removed from the work site immediately and disposed of as instructed by your local government. Be sure any lead paint is properly removed; be sure any asbestos is removed and disposed of correctly; be sure old horse hair plaster (that could contain arsenic) is disposed of properly.
These tips will help you protect your family, your property and the people working on your remodeling project. Residential home improvement contractors should be very willing to cooperate on all of these points.
Copyright 2008 by ABCD Publishing
MARVIN
As I say so frequently that I’m beginning to bore myself, “most remodeling contractors are honest and reliable individuals who want to do quality work at a reasonable price.” Unfortunately, there are just enough contractors out there (or people who claim to be contractors) who take advantage of their customers that some reminders and tips are helpful if you want to do everything possible to protect yourself and your property during home improvement.
1. Don’t make assumptions about referrals. Exercise the same due diligence in evaluating and checking out all contractors. You might have friends or relatives, co-workers or neighbors referring you to contractors they have used with good results. Many people are also simply trusting recommendations from home improvement stores. Even when you are referred to a contractor, check him or her out before you sign a contract. Consumer Reports recently released findings from a study of people who hired contractors to whom they were referred by the two leading home improvement stores. Their survey indicated that people who used these referrals had more problems and were less satisfied with the work than people who used other contractors.
2. Build your remodeling budget in a way that creates a 20% cushion for unexpected surprises. Although the National Association of the Remodeling Industry suggests an allowance of 10% to 20%, I think you are safer to budget for a 20% cost overrun due to surprises. There are literally hundreds of things that can happen or that can be discovered once remodeling begins that will result in a cost overrun. It is not uncommon, for example to discover termite damage, dry rot, damage from leaking pipes, outdated wiring, etc. My point is that you should not use your entire budget on the basics. You will be much more comfortable with your budget if you leave room for surprises.
3. Get a contract — don’t deal with a contractor on the basis of a proposal. If at all possible, get a contract that states a final price for the work, not an estimated cost that can go up or down. Your contract should be as specific as possible and as detailed as possible. It should also contain some kind of warranty for both the installation and the products or materials. You can also specify in the contract that all materials used will be new materials and meet the standards outlined in the contract. It should also state that any changes made during the construction period will be authorized only by written change orders that explain the difference in cost up front. If a contractor is unwilling to sign a contract stating the final price of the remodel, find another contractor.
4. Know what your insurance covers and take out a liability policy if necessary. It is usually easy to call your insurance agent and ask what is covered in terms of damage to your property, loss of property or possessions, and injury or death of a worker on your property during the construction period. You should also be certain that the contractor carries workman’s compensation insurance and liability insurance against injury or death of a worker and against damage or loss to your property or possessions. If you have any concerns about adequate coverage, discuss it with your insurance agent and consider taking out an additional policy during the construction period.
5. Monitor all liens placed against your property during construction (construction liens) by any contractor or subcontractor and ensure that they are removed when the project is finished and the contractor is paid in full. There are unscrupulous contractors who accept payment for a job and then do not remove the liens. In most of these cases, the homeowner is not aware of the lien until some time later when trying to sell the home or take out a loan for further improvements. When homeowners try to resolve the issue, the contractor claims that the bill or part of the bill was never paid and demands payment before removing the lien.
________________________________________________________________________
7. Never pay a contractor the entire bill up front. Work out a payment schedule that reflects work completed, and put the payment schedule in the contract.
8. Specify the quality of workmanship and the quality of materials to be used in the remodel or addition in the contract. Not only should you specify materials quality, you should check materials to ensure compliance with the terms of the contract as they are delivered to the construction site. Insist that the costs of all building materials be specified.
9. Include all job specifications in the contract. The more specific the description of the work to be done, the more protection you have. Job specifications state exactly what work is to be done, how it is to be done, the quality of materials to be used, when it is to be complete, and that it must pass inspection.
10. Check all licenses, permits, proof of insurance, and state or local certification before you hire a contractor or subcontractor. Check to be certain the contractor has or obtains all necessary permits, licenses and certificates. Check with issuing agencies or insurance companies to confirm that insurance and licenses are current.
11. Insist that the contractor show you proof of bond coverage for the total replacement cost of the project.
12. Be sure the contract includes the appropriate information about how conflicts will be resolved, when and how the contract will be or can be terminated, and that lien releases will be provided upon payment.
13. If you give the contractor a key to your home for use during the construction period, change the locks as soon as construction is completed.
14. Take the necessary steps to protect your property and your possessions. Put away all valuables in a safe place. Define the construction area for everyone — tell your family not to enter the area during working hours; define limits of access to the rest of your home for the work crew. Protect your landscaping by covering shrubs if necessary and taking other steps to reduce accidental damage. Seal off the construction area from the rest of the house to confine dust, etc.
15. If you are remodeling an old home, make sure any work with potentially hazardous materials is done under the safest conditions and that hazardous materials are completely removed from the work site immediately and disposed of as instructed by your local government. Be sure any lead paint is properly removed; be sure any asbestos is removed and disposed of correctly; be sure old horse hair plaster (that could contain arsenic) is disposed of properly.
These tips will help you protect your family, your property and the people working on your remodeling project. Residential home improvement contractors should be very willing to cooperate on all of these points.
Copyright 2008 by ABCD Publishing
MARVIN
Sep
9
Choose the Right Contractor for Building Your Dream Home
Filed Under Remodeling | Comments Off
Jonathan Francis asked:
Do you have any plan to build your dream home? If so then you must have professional contractor who will guide you towards your dream project of your life. Always try to hire people who are experts in this field.
Professional contractors supply the materials and do their predefined work within the specified time and price as agreed upon.
Sometimes these professional contractors charge so much that many people prefer to do small home improvement and construction works on their own. But it is always recommended to hire professional contractors because their experienced services are more valuable than your self service.
Always remember to hire the best contractor near your locality because they will understand the local market and the trend of that area. You should always consult your friends and relatives before making any decision. Don’t remain stick to one contractor. Collect information of various contractors. It is not always necessary that the contractor who is giving service at cheap rate will serve you the best. So always collect references of that contractor before finalizing the deal. Such research is highly required for getting the best service at minimum price.
Hiring a general contractor instead of a specialized one will always cost you less and they will even suit your purpose. But if you don’t have a fixed budget then it is always recommended to have a specialized contractor because these specialized people make justice to your property and can design the best modern house in your locality. Such architectural work can’t be done by general contractors.
Once you have made your mind to work with a particular contractor it is always recommended to have a legal contract with the contractor where the contractor should specify the date of completion of the project and quote the price. Such things will help you to take legal action against violation of the contract. This also certifies that your contractor is licensed and insured.
The good contractors also have subcontractors who are specialized in their department. This main contractor distributes the work to the subcontractors who one by one finish their work and the main contractor just supervises the work of the subcontractors.
Contractors are not only required for making a new house but also for remodeling your house. This type of home improvement work can be done by independent contractors.
Independent contractors work on contract basis. Most important thing is that you will get specific contractors for specific work like plumbing and piping contractors, flooring contractors, roofing contractors, etc. Their work is similar to the other general contractors but the only difference is in the nature of contract. Since independent contractor are experts in one particular field they are more reliable and efficient for home improvement.
JIM
Do you have any plan to build your dream home? If so then you must have professional contractor who will guide you towards your dream project of your life. Always try to hire people who are experts in this field.
Professional contractors supply the materials and do their predefined work within the specified time and price as agreed upon.
Sometimes these professional contractors charge so much that many people prefer to do small home improvement and construction works on their own. But it is always recommended to hire professional contractors because their experienced services are more valuable than your self service.
Always remember to hire the best contractor near your locality because they will understand the local market and the trend of that area. You should always consult your friends and relatives before making any decision. Don’t remain stick to one contractor. Collect information of various contractors. It is not always necessary that the contractor who is giving service at cheap rate will serve you the best. So always collect references of that contractor before finalizing the deal. Such research is highly required for getting the best service at minimum price.
Hiring a general contractor instead of a specialized one will always cost you less and they will even suit your purpose. But if you don’t have a fixed budget then it is always recommended to have a specialized contractor because these specialized people make justice to your property and can design the best modern house in your locality. Such architectural work can’t be done by general contractors.
Once you have made your mind to work with a particular contractor it is always recommended to have a legal contract with the contractor where the contractor should specify the date of completion of the project and quote the price. Such things will help you to take legal action against violation of the contract. This also certifies that your contractor is licensed and insured.
The good contractors also have subcontractors who are specialized in their department. This main contractor distributes the work to the subcontractors who one by one finish their work and the main contractor just supervises the work of the subcontractors.
Contractors are not only required for making a new house but also for remodeling your house. This type of home improvement work can be done by independent contractors.
Independent contractors work on contract basis. Most important thing is that you will get specific contractors for specific work like plumbing and piping contractors, flooring contractors, roofing contractors, etc. Their work is similar to the other general contractors but the only difference is in the nature of contract. Since independent contractor are experts in one particular field they are more reliable and efficient for home improvement.
JIM
Aug
12
Ten Tips to Find and Hire the Best Contractor for Your Remodeling Project
Filed Under Remodeling | Comments Off
Dan Fritschen asked:
One of the most frequently-asked questions on my forum at www.remodelestimates.com is “How do I find the right contractor for my remodeling project?” There are many important steps and considerations in choosing and hiring a contractor for a remodeling project. There should be a lot of research and checking information before making a contractor choice.
Here are the top ten tips I offer to homeowners about finding and hiring the best contractor for a remodeling project.
1. Look for a contractor with a strong track record of success in your community. This person will have survived and thrived in the community. The business will be well established in the community, and people will know the contractor and his or her work.
2. Look for a contractor with knowledge and experience in the kind of work you want done. Experience is important. You need a contractor who has experience and knowledge of the specific kind of work you want done. For example, you don’t want to hire a roofer to do an electrical job. When interviewing contractors for your project — ask them what projects they are working on now. They likely are doing several — if one or more is a project similar to yours, that’s a good sign.
3. Check vital information on the contractor. Check with the state or local licensing board if contractors are required to be licensed in your area to ensure that the contractor is properly licensed to do the kind of work you need and that the license is current. Also check on the contractor’s insurance. Ask contractors you are considering for the project to show you their insurance certification. Then call the insurance company and check to ensure the policy is current.
4. Check the contractor’s record. Check with the Better Business Bureau, local courts, and search on the internet to find out if there have been any complaints or court cases involving the contractor. Also consider performing a background check. Many companies on the internet offer this service.
5. Develop a clear description of the project, including your workmanship expectations, materials and quality of materials before you discuss the project with a contractor. Your ability to be clear and specific allows the contractor to offer informed opinions and accurate estimates. It is also wise to be open about your budget from the outset, and if the cost is a major concern for you, ask the contractors you interview for their advice on how to minimize the cost.
6. Ask for and then check professional references. Ask for the contractor’s standard references, and then ask for several references from projects that contractor is working on currently, as well as several references for projects the contractor completed recently that are very similar to yours. When you talk to the reference ask all the standard questions. Also ask what went wrong and how the contractor made it right.
7. Organize your project and the interview process. Make or buy an organizer to manage the business cards, literature, quotes, estimates and notes that you will accumulate during your search. A good organizer is The Complete Remodeling Workbook and Organizer. Use an interview script for both the contractor and references and a standard list of questions that you answer after the interview so you can compare contractors objectively.
8. Ask a lot of questions during the interview about the contractor, the project and the estimate. Not only do you need answers to specific questions, you need to evaluate your ability to communicate with the contractor. This is also an opportunity to decide whether you do or do not trust the contractor to be in your home and around your family.
9. Carefully compare and evaluate all estimates. I usually recommend that homeowners get at least 5 estimates. You will then need to compare the estimates, including all the details, in order to decide who to hire. Ensure that all of the estimates reflect the same workmanship, finished work, quality of materials, and schedule. If you are having difficulty comparing estimates, ask the contractor to help you make the comparison. If a contractor isn’t helping you with this, then he/she probably is not the right one for you to work with.
10. Get a good contract. Get a contract that is based on the total final cost of the project (not an estimate). Be certain that everything is included in the contract. Sample contracts are available at www.remodelestimates.com. If any changes from the details in the contract are made during the work process, ensure that all changes and costs are put in writing with a change order.
Copyright 2008 by ABCD Publishing
EDDY
One of the most frequently-asked questions on my forum at www.remodelestimates.com is “How do I find the right contractor for my remodeling project?” There are many important steps and considerations in choosing and hiring a contractor for a remodeling project. There should be a lot of research and checking information before making a contractor choice.
Here are the top ten tips I offer to homeowners about finding and hiring the best contractor for a remodeling project.
1. Look for a contractor with a strong track record of success in your community. This person will have survived and thrived in the community. The business will be well established in the community, and people will know the contractor and his or her work.
2. Look for a contractor with knowledge and experience in the kind of work you want done. Experience is important. You need a contractor who has experience and knowledge of the specific kind of work you want done. For example, you don’t want to hire a roofer to do an electrical job. When interviewing contractors for your project — ask them what projects they are working on now. They likely are doing several — if one or more is a project similar to yours, that’s a good sign.
3. Check vital information on the contractor. Check with the state or local licensing board if contractors are required to be licensed in your area to ensure that the contractor is properly licensed to do the kind of work you need and that the license is current. Also check on the contractor’s insurance. Ask contractors you are considering for the project to show you their insurance certification. Then call the insurance company and check to ensure the policy is current.
4. Check the contractor’s record. Check with the Better Business Bureau, local courts, and search on the internet to find out if there have been any complaints or court cases involving the contractor. Also consider performing a background check. Many companies on the internet offer this service.
5. Develop a clear description of the project, including your workmanship expectations, materials and quality of materials before you discuss the project with a contractor. Your ability to be clear and specific allows the contractor to offer informed opinions and accurate estimates. It is also wise to be open about your budget from the outset, and if the cost is a major concern for you, ask the contractors you interview for their advice on how to minimize the cost.
6. Ask for and then check professional references. Ask for the contractor’s standard references, and then ask for several references from projects that contractor is working on currently, as well as several references for projects the contractor completed recently that are very similar to yours. When you talk to the reference ask all the standard questions. Also ask what went wrong and how the contractor made it right.
7. Organize your project and the interview process. Make or buy an organizer to manage the business cards, literature, quotes, estimates and notes that you will accumulate during your search. A good organizer is The Complete Remodeling Workbook and Organizer. Use an interview script for both the contractor and references and a standard list of questions that you answer after the interview so you can compare contractors objectively.
8. Ask a lot of questions during the interview about the contractor, the project and the estimate. Not only do you need answers to specific questions, you need to evaluate your ability to communicate with the contractor. This is also an opportunity to decide whether you do or do not trust the contractor to be in your home and around your family.
9. Carefully compare and evaluate all estimates. I usually recommend that homeowners get at least 5 estimates. You will then need to compare the estimates, including all the details, in order to decide who to hire. Ensure that all of the estimates reflect the same workmanship, finished work, quality of materials, and schedule. If you are having difficulty comparing estimates, ask the contractor to help you make the comparison. If a contractor isn’t helping you with this, then he/she probably is not the right one for you to work with.
10. Get a good contract. Get a contract that is based on the total final cost of the project (not an estimate). Be certain that everything is included in the contract. Sample contracts are available at www.remodelestimates.com. If any changes from the details in the contract are made during the work process, ensure that all changes and costs are put in writing with a change order.
Copyright 2008 by ABCD Publishing
EDDY
Apr
26
The Very Hungry Contractor
Filed Under Remodeling | Leave a Comment
Mark R. LePage, AIA, LEED AP asked:
A Weak Economy Sends Renovation Prices Lower
Are home renovation prices coming down? Is now a good time to start a renovation project? Should you buy, sell or hold?
Every down market presents an opportunity to buy low, and the home renovation market is no different. Due to the recent economic uncertainty, many renovation construction starts have been delayed, which in turn has caused an abrupt shortage of new projects for local contractors. Within the last few months, we’ve had several general contractors visit or call our studio inquiring about upcoming projects - they’re running out of work and want to be included on our future bid lists. General contractors are getting hungry.
Spending on residential remodeling has decreased and is expected to continue to do so into next year. Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies’ Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) predicts that spending for residential remodeling will continue to decline by an annual rate of 11.1%, until the first quarter of 2009.
That’s bad news for contractors, but good news for you. Start the design process today and you could be ready to build in less than six months. If the LIRA is correct, you could time your bid with the bottom of the residential construction slowdown.
What about the cost of building materials? With a substantial decline in national construction starts, the prices of building materials will soon follow, pushing renovation construction costs to their lowest level in years.
But wait, there’s more…
In order to stimulate the economy, the Federal Reserve recently cut rates, which will result in still lower interest rates for construction loans and mortgages.
Hungry contractors. Lower material costs. Cheaper loans. Does it get better than that?
A Lay-Away Plan
Still concerned about proceeding with your project? Here is a way for you to benefit from the tight renovation market without committing to the cost of a full construction project. Think of it as a lay-away plan.
Every renovation project has two main parts; design and construction. The cost for design contributes a small percentage to the overall cost of a renovation project. Fees for design phases performed by local residential architects typically cost less than 10% of the total cost of construction.
The architectural design process will provide you with a complete set of construction documents ready for bidding and municipal review. A copy of these documents may be held on file in your architect’s office. When you are ready to move forward with your project, these documents can be immediately distributed to your bidders without delay, thus allowing you to take full advantage of the tight renovation market before prices again begin to rise.
Build with Confidence
You’re ready to get started, but you want to be sure you spend your dollars wisely. Whether we’re experiencing good times or bad, every renovation project should be designed to suit and enhance your family’s lifestyle, as well as maximize the value of your residence. Don’t look to pay the lowest price though. You’ll only get what you pay for. Find a qualified residential architecture firm and they’ll help you invest smartly in your home renovation project. The following are a few ways an architect can help you approach your renovation project with confidence.
Build “Not So Big”
Renovation projects with the most value often reconfigure existing rooms without adding new space, by instead maximizing efficiency and providing spaces that are more appropriate to your modern way of living. Don’t just add square feet to a floor plan; why pay tax on space you won’t use every day? To keep costs low, additions should be proposed only after you exhaust the possibilities of efficiently using the space within your existing house.
The “Not-So-Big House” approach to building is a school of thought that focuses on quality of space over quantity. Residential architecture can be designed to have the beauty of bigger, more expensive homes, with the character and efficiency of small ones. Design a home around the way you actually live your life. Spend your budget on the details and think about how each space might be used for multiple functions. How often do you entertain in the dining room? Can formal dining and family dining use the same table, in the same space? Do you have a living room, but want a family room? Can the living room be modified to function more appropriately for today’s family?
Add lots of storage. Build in closets, cabinets, cubbies and shelves. Take a full inventory and design a place for everything, so when you are done, everything has its place.
Building “Not So Big” will give you much more for your money and will help you make a house your home. You can learn more about the “Not So Big House” approach to building at www.notsobighouse.com.
Build Green
Everyone is buzzing about building green. It seems like newspapers and magazines are featuring high efficiency, sustainable homes almost every day. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or building a new house, the ideas and concepts of building green should benefit every residential project.
Building green can be pricey though. Projects that meet LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards could cost 15 to 30% more than building with traditional methods, but you don’t need to be LEED® certified to go green. Some green strategies cost no more than traditional building strategies. When designed and specified properly, your project can be built to the highest standards of workmanship with systems that maximize your budget’s potential. A little bit of focus and care will go a long way toward saving energy and protecting the environment. Select durable materials that will endure throughout the years and can be easily maintained. Specify windows that maximize daylight, but minimize heat loss. Install energy efficient heating and ventilation systems, and be sure to use appropriate insulation materials to keep the conditioned air in its proper place.
Think too about installing alternative energy systems such as solar hot water, photovoltaic electric or geothermal heating and cooling options. These solutions may have a steep price tag up front, but over time they will decrease the cost of operating and maintaining your house.
Building green just makes sense. You can learn more about building green at the Westchester Green blog (www.westchestergreen.org) or at the US Green Building Council’s website (www.usgbc.org).
Build in Phases
What’s on your wish list?
Most of us don’t have budgets to build everything wished for in one project. In order to achieve your dream home over time, ask your architect to develop a Master Plan.
At a schematic level, approach your project as if it would be built simultaneously. Have fun and include all the hopes, dreams, needs and desires found on your wish list. Once complete, your Master Plan can be reduced into smaller, less expensive phases, which may be developed and built as your budget permits.
Take one step at a time and develop each phase when you are financially ready. Don’t spend your money on construction drawings that will never get built. A Master Plan will prepare you well for the future, but as your family grows and your needs change, your plan will evolve. With each step, you will want to update your Master Plan to reflect your current budget and lifestyle.
It was only a few months ago when general contractors had a full slate. They had plenty of work and little incentive to bid tightly. That has changed. While the stock market continues its historic moves and the economy takes a breather, don’t miss this rare opportunity. Contractors are hungry. Home renovations prices are dropping. If you’re thinking about renovating, now is a very good time to build.
EFRAIN
A Weak Economy Sends Renovation Prices Lower
Are home renovation prices coming down? Is now a good time to start a renovation project? Should you buy, sell or hold?
Every down market presents an opportunity to buy low, and the home renovation market is no different. Due to the recent economic uncertainty, many renovation construction starts have been delayed, which in turn has caused an abrupt shortage of new projects for local contractors. Within the last few months, we’ve had several general contractors visit or call our studio inquiring about upcoming projects - they’re running out of work and want to be included on our future bid lists. General contractors are getting hungry.
Spending on residential remodeling has decreased and is expected to continue to do so into next year. Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies’ Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) predicts that spending for residential remodeling will continue to decline by an annual rate of 11.1%, until the first quarter of 2009.
That’s bad news for contractors, but good news for you. Start the design process today and you could be ready to build in less than six months. If the LIRA is correct, you could time your bid with the bottom of the residential construction slowdown.
What about the cost of building materials? With a substantial decline in national construction starts, the prices of building materials will soon follow, pushing renovation construction costs to their lowest level in years.
But wait, there’s more…
In order to stimulate the economy, the Federal Reserve recently cut rates, which will result in still lower interest rates for construction loans and mortgages.
Hungry contractors. Lower material costs. Cheaper loans. Does it get better than that?
A Lay-Away Plan
Still concerned about proceeding with your project? Here is a way for you to benefit from the tight renovation market without committing to the cost of a full construction project. Think of it as a lay-away plan.
Every renovation project has two main parts; design and construction. The cost for design contributes a small percentage to the overall cost of a renovation project. Fees for design phases performed by local residential architects typically cost less than 10% of the total cost of construction.
The architectural design process will provide you with a complete set of construction documents ready for bidding and municipal review. A copy of these documents may be held on file in your architect’s office. When you are ready to move forward with your project, these documents can be immediately distributed to your bidders without delay, thus allowing you to take full advantage of the tight renovation market before prices again begin to rise.
Build with Confidence
You’re ready to get started, but you want to be sure you spend your dollars wisely. Whether we’re experiencing good times or bad, every renovation project should be designed to suit and enhance your family’s lifestyle, as well as maximize the value of your residence. Don’t look to pay the lowest price though. You’ll only get what you pay for. Find a qualified residential architecture firm and they’ll help you invest smartly in your home renovation project. The following are a few ways an architect can help you approach your renovation project with confidence.
Build “Not So Big”
Renovation projects with the most value often reconfigure existing rooms without adding new space, by instead maximizing efficiency and providing spaces that are more appropriate to your modern way of living. Don’t just add square feet to a floor plan; why pay tax on space you won’t use every day? To keep costs low, additions should be proposed only after you exhaust the possibilities of efficiently using the space within your existing house.
The “Not-So-Big House” approach to building is a school of thought that focuses on quality of space over quantity. Residential architecture can be designed to have the beauty of bigger, more expensive homes, with the character and efficiency of small ones. Design a home around the way you actually live your life. Spend your budget on the details and think about how each space might be used for multiple functions. How often do you entertain in the dining room? Can formal dining and family dining use the same table, in the same space? Do you have a living room, but want a family room? Can the living room be modified to function more appropriately for today’s family?
Add lots of storage. Build in closets, cabinets, cubbies and shelves. Take a full inventory and design a place for everything, so when you are done, everything has its place.
Building “Not So Big” will give you much more for your money and will help you make a house your home. You can learn more about the “Not So Big House” approach to building at www.notsobighouse.com.
Build Green
Everyone is buzzing about building green. It seems like newspapers and magazines are featuring high efficiency, sustainable homes almost every day. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or building a new house, the ideas and concepts of building green should benefit every residential project.
Building green can be pricey though. Projects that meet LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards could cost 15 to 30% more than building with traditional methods, but you don’t need to be LEED® certified to go green. Some green strategies cost no more than traditional building strategies. When designed and specified properly, your project can be built to the highest standards of workmanship with systems that maximize your budget’s potential. A little bit of focus and care will go a long way toward saving energy and protecting the environment. Select durable materials that will endure throughout the years and can be easily maintained. Specify windows that maximize daylight, but minimize heat loss. Install energy efficient heating and ventilation systems, and be sure to use appropriate insulation materials to keep the conditioned air in its proper place.
Think too about installing alternative energy systems such as solar hot water, photovoltaic electric or geothermal heating and cooling options. These solutions may have a steep price tag up front, but over time they will decrease the cost of operating and maintaining your house.
Building green just makes sense. You can learn more about building green at the Westchester Green blog (www.westchestergreen.org) or at the US Green Building Council’s website (www.usgbc.org).
Build in Phases
What’s on your wish list?
Most of us don’t have budgets to build everything wished for in one project. In order to achieve your dream home over time, ask your architect to develop a Master Plan.
At a schematic level, approach your project as if it would be built simultaneously. Have fun and include all the hopes, dreams, needs and desires found on your wish list. Once complete, your Master Plan can be reduced into smaller, less expensive phases, which may be developed and built as your budget permits.
Take one step at a time and develop each phase when you are financially ready. Don’t spend your money on construction drawings that will never get built. A Master Plan will prepare you well for the future, but as your family grows and your needs change, your plan will evolve. With each step, you will want to update your Master Plan to reflect your current budget and lifestyle.
It was only a few months ago when general contractors had a full slate. They had plenty of work and little incentive to bid tightly. That has changed. While the stock market continues its historic moves and the economy takes a breather, don’t miss this rare opportunity. Contractors are hungry. Home renovations prices are dropping. If you’re thinking about renovating, now is a very good time to build.
EFRAIN
Apr
18
Sofia Rucci asked:
Before even attempting to hire anyone you must ensure that you have a direct plan for your project, including budget, timeline, and renovation specifications, by doing this you will save yourself a great deal of time, money, and energy.
Ask for referrals. Same goes for anything, ask your family, friends, and colleagues’ opinions and see who they recommend and why, this has been a proven way to ensure a happy renovation for all parties involved.
Take your time when choosing contractors and other trades people, other than your original renovation plan, this is the most important thing you can do. Take your time, dot your I’s and cross your T’s, ask for certifications, photos, and past references. You want to ensure that you’ve covered all your bases before embarking on this huge project.
Get more than one quote. A second or even a third or fourth opinion is often a very good idea, you could benefit in two ways by doing this, one is you get to meet more people, maybe the right one is in there. Second, you may save yourself a lot of money and heartache, just by being sure.
If you come to the point where you’ve met two different contractors, one of whom can do the job faster and at a fraction of the cost, trust your gut. If you get an uneasy feeling for any reason I would strongly suggest listening to that feeling. Sometimes it is worth it to pay a little more and/or wait a little longer.
Before giving the go ahead to start a project have a friend or family member who is familiar with home projects or who has taken on the challenge themselves to read over the plan with you to help ensure you haven’t left any important matters out.
Before the workers get started make sure that you get a signed document that you keep in a safe place, noting that the workers are covered by insurance, this can protect you if someone gets injured in your home while on the job.
Good communication is key when attacking a large job such as this, make sure that your requirements, details, and goals are laid flat out and there are no questions left unanswered from yourself or the trades’ people.
Coinciding with Tip number nine, you must ensure to keep those lines of communication open during the task from beginning to finish. If you don’t reside at the place of project, arrange a time either at the beginning or end of each shift to see the progress that’s being done. If everything is going smoothly, offer words of encouragement and appreciation.
Make sure you are ready, you want to steer away from making any changes to the plan once work has begun, things could get quite confusing and costly if you decide to make changes.
When hiring someone to work on your home, it’s important to get the job done right and of your standards, so take the time to write out a detailed plan for your project to help ensure everything goes smoothly. It seems like these days there are so many scary stories of trades people who take advantage of their customers by not doing the job right, taking way to long & charging way to much. Truth be told, there are far more good builders, trades professionals & contractors than there are bad, the same in any business; there are always a small number of people you need to watch out for. The reason it’s so scary is because this is your home, the biggest purchase of your life. It’s imperative to take your time in finding the trades people that are perfect for your project. The best way to get good trades people are to get a referral from a friend, colleague or neighbour who have used these workers in the past. Be patient with the hiring process. Have several trades people give you a quote and go over the plan & time line of the project to make sure that all your needs can be met; however you want be very cautious when getting quotes, many times a contractor will quote at a lower price to get the job and then increase the cost substantially when they know you have no choice but to pay it or you will end up with an unfinished home. It’s impossible for trades people to give you an exact quote, but what is recommended is to get a ball park quote, with parameters within your budget, for example if your budget is $20,000 and the trades person is quoting between $17,000- 19,500 this will work for you.
Devote an ample amount of time for your renovation plan; you want to have every last detail with appropriate specifications down on paper. If you have a partner make sure you do this together and that you are 100% on the same page, if this is a task you are taking on by yourself look for support from friends and family, and have them be detailed with questions or concerns for you. It is very important to make sure that your plan is the final plan; you don’t want to make changes to the draft once work has started, and proper planning will save you time and money. If the rare occurrence happens, and changes must be made make sure that you discuss them with the building contractor, rather than the workers, and make sure you put the changes in writing. If the project is a large one you may want to consider hiring an architect, the architect would then provide the contractors with a detailed plan and specifications.
There are many good trades people, builders & contractors that take pride in their reputation & making their clients happy. Communicating all your needs & pricing issues before the work has started is a very important step to take. Be clear & concise and keep to the original budget & design. A professional builder, contractor or trades person will appreciate your organization and your job will run more smoothly, in turn when a good job is being done, take the time to let them know, this will boost moral and the trade people will then work harder because their hard work is being recognized. In the case of work being done to an existing property, discuss the order of work with your building contractor first. Discuss which rooms or spaces will need to clear; discuss storage space for materials, where you would like the workers to have their meals and toilet use (will you be supplying a portable washroom or are they permitted to use one of the toilets in your home) and discuss suitable working hours, keeping in mind your working hours and respectable hours for neighbours. You also need to talk about job cleanliness your contractor should clean up while work is in progress and when the job is complete. Don’t forget to discuss the question of a convenient place for debris and rubble and confirm who is responsible for its removal. Make yourself aware of the local by-laws regarding noise, dust, litter etc. You may also want to remember to be courteous to your neighbours, some building operations may cause a nuisance to them or damage the environment. Communicate with your neighbours before the job begins. Warning them will gain their respect for your project.
Before beginning the job, a very important matter must be addressed that many people overlook. Check to ensure that your workers are insured, make sure that you have written and signed documentation of this placed in a safe place. This could result in protection on your behalf if a worker is injured in your home on the job.
Generally, you would never be asked to pay before work has begun, if you are; however, you may want to take a step back and make sure that you are not at risk of fraud or being taken advantage of in any way. Normally for smaller jobs you would pay the full balance at the end of the job, if it’s a larger project, depending on what you’ve agreed on in the contract you may be required to make either monthly instalments or payments upon completion of projected areas of the job.
On that glorious day when the contractor announces that the project is complete, you’ll want to go over the job together, you may be asked to sign something stating that you are satisfied with what’s been done. If you are at all hesitant or have any doubts, try to resolve them right then and there with the contractor, if it’s not possible you could ask to have the papers left with you or at least put any of your areas of concern down on paper right away just in case a problem arises.
Unfortunately, there are occurrences when the home owner and the contractor do not see eye to eye, in this case your only option may be to take the disagreement to arbitration, this is an affordable and effective measure used to resolve any issues. To maybe ease the situation, it may be a good idea to agree on a dispute resolution and have it in the contract before the project begins.
Hiring A Contractor 14 Questions Before You Hire
1) Request references and check all references
2) Ask to see certification
3) Review previous work to make sure they have relevant experience
4) Have a signed contract. Have a lawyer check it before you sign.
5) Make sure all workers are licensed and insured. Request a copy before the work begins
6) Never pay for a project upfront
7) Get a quote in writing, signed and confirm.Verify that taxes are included in the price
8) Have a meeting with your contractor before the project is set in stone. Contractors have experience & product knowledge. It is likely that they see possibilities that homeowners may not. Saving money & time.
9) Before any work begins make sure to have good communication about every detail of the project from day to day (eg. How will garbage be handled?, Will they bring a portable washroom or is one of our washrooms needed, daily / weekly hours of work)
10) Before the work begins have a plan for your project. Think the project through detail by detail. Your budget, timeline & renovation specifications. Proper planning before you start working on your project will save you money & energy.
11) Before you meet have a list of questions prepared
12) Will your job be covered by a warranty? If so what type?
13) Ask the contractor to explain the entire process and the services they offer
14) Ask why they think they are the right company for your project.
For more Information on this topic visit http://www.buildwish.com/ a free Online Home Renovation & Design Directory for North America, Featuring Free Real Estate Classifieds, Helpful Articles, Contests, Hot Products, Qualified Trades, Forums and Much More!
COLBY
Before even attempting to hire anyone you must ensure that you have a direct plan for your project, including budget, timeline, and renovation specifications, by doing this you will save yourself a great deal of time, money, and energy.
Ask for referrals. Same goes for anything, ask your family, friends, and colleagues’ opinions and see who they recommend and why, this has been a proven way to ensure a happy renovation for all parties involved.
Take your time when choosing contractors and other trades people, other than your original renovation plan, this is the most important thing you can do. Take your time, dot your I’s and cross your T’s, ask for certifications, photos, and past references. You want to ensure that you’ve covered all your bases before embarking on this huge project.
Get more than one quote. A second or even a third or fourth opinion is often a very good idea, you could benefit in two ways by doing this, one is you get to meet more people, maybe the right one is in there. Second, you may save yourself a lot of money and heartache, just by being sure.
If you come to the point where you’ve met two different contractors, one of whom can do the job faster and at a fraction of the cost, trust your gut. If you get an uneasy feeling for any reason I would strongly suggest listening to that feeling. Sometimes it is worth it to pay a little more and/or wait a little longer.
Before giving the go ahead to start a project have a friend or family member who is familiar with home projects or who has taken on the challenge themselves to read over the plan with you to help ensure you haven’t left any important matters out.
Before the workers get started make sure that you get a signed document that you keep in a safe place, noting that the workers are covered by insurance, this can protect you if someone gets injured in your home while on the job.
Good communication is key when attacking a large job such as this, make sure that your requirements, details, and goals are laid flat out and there are no questions left unanswered from yourself or the trades’ people.
Coinciding with Tip number nine, you must ensure to keep those lines of communication open during the task from beginning to finish. If you don’t reside at the place of project, arrange a time either at the beginning or end of each shift to see the progress that’s being done. If everything is going smoothly, offer words of encouragement and appreciation.
Make sure you are ready, you want to steer away from making any changes to the plan once work has begun, things could get quite confusing and costly if you decide to make changes.
When hiring someone to work on your home, it’s important to get the job done right and of your standards, so take the time to write out a detailed plan for your project to help ensure everything goes smoothly. It seems like these days there are so many scary stories of trades people who take advantage of their customers by not doing the job right, taking way to long & charging way to much. Truth be told, there are far more good builders, trades professionals & contractors than there are bad, the same in any business; there are always a small number of people you need to watch out for. The reason it’s so scary is because this is your home, the biggest purchase of your life. It’s imperative to take your time in finding the trades people that are perfect for your project. The best way to get good trades people are to get a referral from a friend, colleague or neighbour who have used these workers in the past. Be patient with the hiring process. Have several trades people give you a quote and go over the plan & time line of the project to make sure that all your needs can be met; however you want be very cautious when getting quotes, many times a contractor will quote at a lower price to get the job and then increase the cost substantially when they know you have no choice but to pay it or you will end up with an unfinished home. It’s impossible for trades people to give you an exact quote, but what is recommended is to get a ball park quote, with parameters within your budget, for example if your budget is $20,000 and the trades person is quoting between $17,000- 19,500 this will work for you.
Devote an ample amount of time for your renovation plan; you want to have every last detail with appropriate specifications down on paper. If you have a partner make sure you do this together and that you are 100% on the same page, if this is a task you are taking on by yourself look for support from friends and family, and have them be detailed with questions or concerns for you. It is very important to make sure that your plan is the final plan; you don’t want to make changes to the draft once work has started, and proper planning will save you time and money. If the rare occurrence happens, and changes must be made make sure that you discuss them with the building contractor, rather than the workers, and make sure you put the changes in writing. If the project is a large one you may want to consider hiring an architect, the architect would then provide the contractors with a detailed plan and specifications.
There are many good trades people, builders & contractors that take pride in their reputation & making their clients happy. Communicating all your needs & pricing issues before the work has started is a very important step to take. Be clear & concise and keep to the original budget & design. A professional builder, contractor or trades person will appreciate your organization and your job will run more smoothly, in turn when a good job is being done, take the time to let them know, this will boost moral and the trade people will then work harder because their hard work is being recognized. In the case of work being done to an existing property, discuss the order of work with your building contractor first. Discuss which rooms or spaces will need to clear; discuss storage space for materials, where you would like the workers to have their meals and toilet use (will you be supplying a portable washroom or are they permitted to use one of the toilets in your home) and discuss suitable working hours, keeping in mind your working hours and respectable hours for neighbours. You also need to talk about job cleanliness your contractor should clean up while work is in progress and when the job is complete. Don’t forget to discuss the question of a convenient place for debris and rubble and confirm who is responsible for its removal. Make yourself aware of the local by-laws regarding noise, dust, litter etc. You may also want to remember to be courteous to your neighbours, some building operations may cause a nuisance to them or damage the environment. Communicate with your neighbours before the job begins. Warning them will gain their respect for your project.
Before beginning the job, a very important matter must be addressed that many people overlook. Check to ensure that your workers are insured, make sure that you have written and signed documentation of this placed in a safe place. This could result in protection on your behalf if a worker is injured in your home on the job.
Generally, you would never be asked to pay before work has begun, if you are; however, you may want to take a step back and make sure that you are not at risk of fraud or being taken advantage of in any way. Normally for smaller jobs you would pay the full balance at the end of the job, if it’s a larger project, depending on what you’ve agreed on in the contract you may be required to make either monthly instalments or payments upon completion of projected areas of the job.
On that glorious day when the contractor announces that the project is complete, you’ll want to go over the job together, you may be asked to sign something stating that you are satisfied with what’s been done. If you are at all hesitant or have any doubts, try to resolve them right then and there with the contractor, if it’s not possible you could ask to have the papers left with you or at least put any of your areas of concern down on paper right away just in case a problem arises.
Unfortunately, there are occurrences when the home owner and the contractor do not see eye to eye, in this case your only option may be to take the disagreement to arbitration, this is an affordable and effective measure used to resolve any issues. To maybe ease the situation, it may be a good idea to agree on a dispute resolution and have it in the contract before the project begins.
Hiring A Contractor 14 Questions Before You Hire
1) Request references and check all references
2) Ask to see certification
3) Review previous work to make sure they have relevant experience
4) Have a signed contract. Have a lawyer check it before you sign.
5) Make sure all workers are licensed and insured. Request a copy before the work begins
6) Never pay for a project upfront
7) Get a quote in writing, signed and confirm.Verify that taxes are included in the price
8) Have a meeting with your contractor before the project is set in stone. Contractors have experience & product knowledge. It is likely that they see possibilities that homeowners may not. Saving money & time.
9) Before any work begins make sure to have good communication about every detail of the project from day to day (eg. How will garbage be handled?, Will they bring a portable washroom or is one of our washrooms needed, daily / weekly hours of work)
10) Before the work begins have a plan for your project. Think the project through detail by detail. Your budget, timeline & renovation specifications. Proper planning before you start working on your project will save you money & energy.
11) Before you meet have a list of questions prepared
12) Will your job be covered by a warranty? If so what type?
13) Ask the contractor to explain the entire process and the services they offer
14) Ask why they think they are the right company for your project.
For more Information on this topic visit http://www.buildwish.com/ a free Online Home Renovation & Design Directory for North America, Featuring Free Real Estate Classifieds, Helpful Articles, Contests, Hot Products, Qualified Trades, Forums and Much More!
COLBY
Feb
24
Remodeling Contractors & Addition Builders in La County, Orange County, Ventura County and San Diego County!
Filed Under Remodeling | Leave a Comment
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
CARMEN
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
CARMEN
Jan
31
Craig Thornburrow asked:
With the current housing market there are more available building contractors for you to seek bids from. This always happens when the market slows down a bit. For the contractors it is not a good thing but for the consumer looking to have a new home built it is a great opportunity to get a good deal. However there are some things to keep in mind when you are looking for a building contractor for your new home and here we will cover a few of them.
First off when you are beginning your search make sure that you get at least three bids on your project. When you do this you need to make sure that contractors get the same information from you. For example if you want solid cherry cabinets then make sure that you tell all three contractors that this is a must for you and should be figured into your pricing. When you tell all three contractors the same information when you compare their bids you will be comparing apples for apples.
After you have received your bids carefully look them over. Make sure that each proposal includes everything you have specified. Many times you will see that builders include allowances for items. Make sure that the allowance adequately covers the item. For example if you are building a 2000 square foot home and you have picked tile throughout the house and you see a $500 allowance for it to be completed this should cause you some concern.
Another important aspect when trying to choose a home builder is to check them out thoroughly. The first thing you want to make sure of is that they are licensed and properly insured in your state. You will need to make a few phone calls but it can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Also ask the builder that you ultimately choose to provide you with an insurance certificate. This is a paper sent by the insurance company stating that their insurance policy is current. When you request an insurance certificate you will automatically be notified if their insurance policy is cancelled or any changes are made to it.
Before you sign a contract ask the contractor how they work with their subcontractors. Do they bid out the jobs, do they have insurance and licensing information on them, how do they pay them? One thing you should require from your contractor is release of lien from all the sub contractors that will be on your job site. This will save you from a possible fiasco later as you sometimes here about building contractors that get paid from you or your lending institution and then fail to pay their subcontractors. Then what happens is the subcontractors liens your home for the amount they are owed and you could end up paying twice for services.
Picking the right contractor to build your home is very important. You want to make sure that things go smoothly so everyone is happy in the end. Building contractors are less busy right now so it is a consumer’s market so do your homework and you will end up with a good deal.
IRWIN
With the current housing market there are more available building contractors for you to seek bids from. This always happens when the market slows down a bit. For the contractors it is not a good thing but for the consumer looking to have a new home built it is a great opportunity to get a good deal. However there are some things to keep in mind when you are looking for a building contractor for your new home and here we will cover a few of them.
First off when you are beginning your search make sure that you get at least three bids on your project. When you do this you need to make sure that contractors get the same information from you. For example if you want solid cherry cabinets then make sure that you tell all three contractors that this is a must for you and should be figured into your pricing. When you tell all three contractors the same information when you compare their bids you will be comparing apples for apples.
After you have received your bids carefully look them over. Make sure that each proposal includes everything you have specified. Many times you will see that builders include allowances for items. Make sure that the allowance adequately covers the item. For example if you are building a 2000 square foot home and you have picked tile throughout the house and you see a $500 allowance for it to be completed this should cause you some concern.
Another important aspect when trying to choose a home builder is to check them out thoroughly. The first thing you want to make sure of is that they are licensed and properly insured in your state. You will need to make a few phone calls but it can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Also ask the builder that you ultimately choose to provide you with an insurance certificate. This is a paper sent by the insurance company stating that their insurance policy is current. When you request an insurance certificate you will automatically be notified if their insurance policy is cancelled or any changes are made to it.
Before you sign a contract ask the contractor how they work with their subcontractors. Do they bid out the jobs, do they have insurance and licensing information on them, how do they pay them? One thing you should require from your contractor is release of lien from all the sub contractors that will be on your job site. This will save you from a possible fiasco later as you sometimes here about building contractors that get paid from you or your lending institution and then fail to pay their subcontractors. Then what happens is the subcontractors liens your home for the amount they are owed and you could end up paying twice for services.
Picking the right contractor to build your home is very important. You want to make sure that things go smoothly so everyone is happy in the end. Building contractors are less busy right now so it is a consumer’s market so do your homework and you will end up with a good deal.
IRWIN
Jan
28
Helena Topolova asked:
The current trends in the minds of those willing to invest in new construction, as well as in the promises of the new incoming presidential administration, is a focus on renewable sources of energy and the preserving of the planet. This trend has the potential to save this country’s economy through the implementation of new infrastructure to support the shift to “going green”. The home contractor can dramatically benefit from this by adjusting his materials and construction practices to accommodate the clients who want to be ecologically responsible in their choices of contractors.
LEED Certification of Products and Services
LEED, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building rating system is a third-party program which certifies the design, construction tools and practices and operations for what are nationally accepted as green buildings. Having a LEED certification will put your company on the organization website’s list of exceptional contractors in the advancement of environmentally conscious design, and will provide your company with added exposure to an up-and-coming market sector.
Recycled Products Renewed Ideas
By using recycled or reclaimed products in constructions and implementing the use of fuel efficient heating and cooling systems, including the implementation of alternate energy sources such as solar panels and geothermal heating, the home contractor can both increase his business and have the satisfaction of knowing that his business is helping to sustain and renew our depleted natural resources.
Government Backing
It seems that the new administration is very serious about providing funding for new infrastructure required to implement green energy programs. If programs progress as Washington is currently promising, the home contractor is who not using green products and providing green energy solutions in his constructions will go the way of the dinosaurs. The resources seem to be there, the public is ready for the change, it is up to the construction industry to provide the tools we need to keep the green movement going forward.
GERMAN
The current trends in the minds of those willing to invest in new construction, as well as in the promises of the new incoming presidential administration, is a focus on renewable sources of energy and the preserving of the planet. This trend has the potential to save this country’s economy through the implementation of new infrastructure to support the shift to “going green”. The home contractor can dramatically benefit from this by adjusting his materials and construction practices to accommodate the clients who want to be ecologically responsible in their choices of contractors.
LEED Certification of Products and Services
LEED, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building rating system is a third-party program which certifies the design, construction tools and practices and operations for what are nationally accepted as green buildings. Having a LEED certification will put your company on the organization website’s list of exceptional contractors in the advancement of environmentally conscious design, and will provide your company with added exposure to an up-and-coming market sector.
Recycled Products Renewed Ideas
By using recycled or reclaimed products in constructions and implementing the use of fuel efficient heating and cooling systems, including the implementation of alternate energy sources such as solar panels and geothermal heating, the home contractor can both increase his business and have the satisfaction of knowing that his business is helping to sustain and renew our depleted natural resources.
Government Backing
It seems that the new administration is very serious about providing funding for new infrastructure required to implement green energy programs. If programs progress as Washington is currently promising, the home contractor is who not using green products and providing green energy solutions in his constructions will go the way of the dinosaurs. The resources seem to be there, the public is ready for the change, it is up to the construction industry to provide the tools we need to keep the green movement going forward.
GERMAN