Finding a Remodeling Contractor
By Kristi Vaughan
Now that you've decided to go ahead with those renovations and improvements, it is time to take what could be the biggest step: finding a contractor. But where do you start?
What kind of job is it?
The size and type of job will help you determine if you need a general contractor who can oversee the whole project or whether a specialty contractor (plumber, electrician, carpenter and the like) is all you need.
Ask a friend
Word of mouth can be the best advertising contractors have. Ask friends and neighbors if they have ever had similar work done and, if so, were they happy with the results? Local building material suppliers also can provide you with names. Although you won't necessarily get information about workmanship this way, you probably won't be referred to someone who doesn't pay his bill!
Consumer protection and trade groups recommend that before you hire someone you get at least three references, visit completed and in-progress sites where the contractor has worked and check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed. Additionally, these groups advise checking to ensure the contractor is properly licensed, registered and insured. If subcontractors are involved, ask to see their registration and insurance as well.
Ask questions
When talking with contractors, the Federal Trade Commission recommends asking such questions as:
- How long have you been in business?
- How many projects like mine have you completed?
- Will this project need a permit?
- Will you be using subcontractors?
When talking with contractors' references, the FTC similarly recommends asking:
- Was the project completed on time?
- Were there unexpected costs?
- Did workers show up on time?
- Did workers clean up after they were done?
Get it in writing
A handshake and verbal promise to do a good job aren't enough. Before you pay the contractor a penny, get an agreement in writing that clearly spells out, among other things, the work that is to be done, the party responsible for the work and materials, the timeframe for the projects and the payment schedule.
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