1. Do your homework. Eliminate your risk of choosing the wrong contractor by studying the home improvement project you have in mind. You should have a good idea of what to expect before hiring any contractor to lay a hand on your project. Start looking into these areas:
v Find out what materials are available.
v Get a ballpark of how much your project will cost.
v Make a list of specific questions to ask the contractor and know the answers, even if you don’t know what they really mean.
2. Ask for references and company background. The best way to find out if the contractor has any experience in his/her profession is to ask for references – the oldest reference, the most recent reference, actual addresses, and etc. Use your consumer power and let the contractor work for his sale.
3. Check to see if the contractor acquires the proper license(s) and insurance. You are investing your dollars to live in a better home. Avoid the worst nightmares by making sure that the contractor you will be working with is credible and reliable.
4. Read the contract and thoroughly understand the terms and conditions.
How will you be billed?
What does your contractor guarantee?
Provide your schedule and agree on the deadlines.
Come up with every possibility to cover yourself for any unexpected situations.
v Find out what materials are available.
v Get a ballpark of how much your project will cost.
v Make a list of specific questions to ask the contractor and know the answers, even if you don’t know what they really mean.
2. Ask for references and company background. The best way to find out if the contractor has any experience in his/her profession is to ask for references – the oldest reference, the most recent reference, actual addresses, and etc. Use your consumer power and let the contractor work for his sale.
3. Check to see if the contractor acquires the proper license(s) and insurance. You are investing your dollars to live in a better home. Avoid the worst nightmares by making sure that the contractor you will be working with is credible and reliable.
4. Read the contract and thoroughly understand the terms and conditions.
How will you be billed?
What does your contractor guarantee?
Provide your schedule and agree on the deadlines.
Come up with every possibility to cover yourself for any unexpected situations.
