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How to Find the Best Contractor
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By Timothy K. Clark
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It's finally time to tackle that big home improvement projectyou've always wanted to do. Or, you might have waited so long,now you need to do the project. Which leads to your firstquestion - "Where do I start?"
Well, the truth is... some jobs are simply too big, toocomplicated, or require too much time to handle on your own.Whether it's remodeling a kitchen, installing gutters, orelectrical rewiring for your business - you'll likely need anexpert.
A contractor, or subcontractor, can be your 'knight in shiningarmor' when it comes to completing your project. But, wait...you've heard so many horror stories connected with "shadycontractors" that you're starting to re-think this re-model. Butstatistics show that the huge majority of contractors out thereare honest, hard-working professionals. Most people are happywith any improvement project they undertake.
"Fine," you say. "How can I protect myself and make sure I finda great contractor?" I'm glad you asked. Here are some standardtips you can follow to make sure your repair, remodel, orinstallation goes well:
o Got License? Most states require that a contractor have alicense to operate in that state. Once you find a contractor,check to see if he or she has a local contracting license to dothe job.
o Check References - get at least three references fromsatisfied clients. And if you want to get really fanatical, goto the contractor's current job site. See if the site is messy.Are the workers taking care of the property?
o Get Bids - if you have the luxury, get multiple bids fromseveral contractors. Don't always assume that the lowest bid isthe best, because that contractor may be desperate for work ormight cut corners on the job. But if you get contractor's fromseveral sources, you could get a really great deal.
o Get it in Writing - the days of the "handshake deal" are farbehind us. Get a detailed contract together and throw everythingin (even if the project doesn't involve the kitchen sink!) Themore you clarify, the fewer headaches you'll have if things gowrong.
o Do You Take a Check? Don't ever pay in cash. Can you say,"Proof of payment"? I thought you could... Keep logs of allpayments (for example - 10% down, 20% by one date, another 20%by another date, final payment when work is complete) and paywith 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 arenovation or remodeling job is expensive, imagine having to payfor it twice! Do your homework and you'll avoid being a horrorstory.
"Are there any warning signs of a bad contractor?" you ask.Boy, you sure do ask a lot of questions. And that's good. Alwaysask a lot of questions. The more you know, the better preparedyou'll be to handle the unexpected.
Okay, these are signs a contractor might not be your bestchoice:
o If required by the state, your contractor doesn't want to showyou his or her license. Or won't give you references. Or you twodon't get along. Keep in mind: this person may be in your home,working side-by-side with you, for several months - you'd betterget along!
o Your contractor wants you to pay for the entire project... upfront. Run for the hills.
o Your contractor has a "friend" in the financing business thatcan get you a "good deal" on a loan for your project. You'll endup with a huge "2nd mortgage" at a ridiculously "high rate" andyour "contractor" just got a juicy "commission" on the deal.
o Your contractor doesn't have a business address, a businesscard, and it looks like the contractor sleeps in his or herpickup truck. Run really fast for those hills.
Okay. Now you know some of the warning signs. Here are somesigns you may have found a really good contractor:
o The contractor has at least 4 to 5 years experience. It showsthey can manage their business and complete their projects.
o The contractor has insurance. Liability and worker'scompensation are the most important types of coverage to makesure everyone is covered.
o The contractor has more than references - he or she may evencarry a book of photos showing past work projects that have beencompleted.
o The contractor provides cost breakdowns for the job. Thesebreakdowns show specific details of what the project will costto complete.
o The contractor is flexible. Communicate all your requirementsand specifications for the project. Whether you two decide thatyou want to supervise the work or you want to let the contractormake all the decisions, your contractor will be flexible enoughto work with you.
"Okay, am I ready?" Yes, now you're ready to hire a professionalto help get your home or business improvement project off theground. One of the best ways to protect yourself is the act ofdue diligence. Webster's defines due diligence as: "The carethat a prudent person might be expected to exercise in theexamination and evaluation of risks affecting a businesstransaction." In simplified terms - Do your homework. And you'lldo just fine. Have fun and make the most out of your experience!
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