Home Improvements
Planning Your Project
Before selecting a remodeling contractor, you should carefully
plan your project from start to finish. For example, if your project
involves a room addition, determine exactly what your needs are,
how the room is to be used, and what you want the completed job
to look like. It is a good idea to coordinate your color schemes
and draw a simple floor plan using miniature tables and chairs to
lay out the room arrangement.
Be specific in explaining to the contractor what you want, and
be sure to approve any architectural plans that are involved in
the remodeling job before the contractor begins the work.
Hiring a Contractor
It is extremely important to compare costs before making a financial
commitment toward any home improvement project. You should solicit
at least two or three bids from prospective contractorsbids
based upon the same building specifications, materials, labor, and
time needed to complete the project.
Discuss bids in detail with each contractor, making certain you
understand the reasons for any variations in the prices. Do not
automatically choose the t price. One contractor's bid might
be higher because the materials to be used are of a better quality
or because the work will be especially thorough and, therefore,
require more time and labor.
Ask the remodeling contractor for local references and find out
if these customers were satisfied with the contractor's work. If
possible, visit and inspect their completed projects.
Find out if the contractor is a member of a professional association
which has standards or a code of ethics for remodelers.
Contact your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn how long
a contractor has been in business and if the firm has been responsive
to any complaints filed with the BBB.
Another important matter to consider before hiring a contractor
deals with insurance. Ask the contractor if the company is insured
against claims covering worker's compensation, property damage,
and personal liability in case of accidents. Then call to verify
the contractor's insurance coverage after obtaining the name of
the carrier and agency, verifying home
improvement experience.
Finally, check with your state, county, or city housing authority
to see if the contractor must meet certain licensing and/or bonding
requirements in your Area. If so, make sure your contractor is properly
licensed and bonded. Never pay a contractor for the entire job in
advance and avoid paying in cash whenever possible.
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