Top 13 Recommended Tips on Working with a Contractor
1) Be sure to carefully review drawings with your contractor and make decisions on materials together and put them in writing.
2) Once you choose your contractor, you and the contractor should make a written contract that consists of both of your names, addresses and details of all the work to be performed along with the materials used and agreed payments and dates.
3) If you have doubts after you've signed the contract with your contractor, remember that contracts signed in your home with your contractor or his agent can likely be canceled by you within three working days. Discuss this with your contractor.
4) Make sure that all materials are specified by brand, model, color, quantity, size, etc.
5) Start dates and completion dates should be noted. Allowances should be specified for uncontrollable delays.
6) No work should occur until you have approved the plans.
7) Check for a procedure on handling changes once a project has begun.
8) Ask your contractor for a timeline of what happens when, the order of steps, and the length of each step. This will help you and your contractor set expectations.
9) Be sure to clearly articulate your vision for the project to the contractor, along with your budget.
10) Don't be afraid to ask your contractor questions and show your interest in the project, but try to avoid micro-managing.
11) Some states require contractor workmanship warranties. They must be noted as either FULL or LIMITED. Be sure you discuss and understand all workmanship warranty details before accepting a contract.
12) The contractor is responsible for calling inspections - but it's up to you to make sure they actually happen.
13) Ask your contractor what you can expect in terms of disruption of your daily life and how long it would be.
For additional advice on how to work with a contractor, read Tips for Remodeling Your Home.
Showing posts with label contractor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contractor. Show all posts
Friday, December 5, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Top 15 Questions to Ask in a Contractor Interview
If you're thinking about remodeling your home, remember to do your homework before signing the contract with a contractor.
Here are a list of the top 15 questions to ask a contractor, to help guide you through selecting the right contractor for your remodel:
1. What professional designations do you have, such as Certified Graduate Remodeler or Certified ‘Aging In Place Specialist?'
2. How do you like to work with clients?
Be sure whether their system or style will work for you.
3. Who is on-site daily to manage the work?
4. How long have you worked with your trade's contractors (i.e. plumbing, electrical, and drywall contractors) and how long have you been in business?
Some builders are one-person companies that hire sub-contractors on an "as needed" basis.
5. How do you screen your trade's contractors?
6. What is your average for on-time/within-budget completion?
7. Can you give me some references of home owners and subcontractors who you've worked for/with in the past, that I can call?
When following these references, evaluate the contractor's professionalism, performance, quality of work, whether the contractor sticks to a quote or comes in way over budget, and whether the project was completed on time. Also, trades contractors can reveal a lot about a building and remodeling contractor, including whether they are good to work for and pay on time -- this speaks volumes about the contractor's business practices and integrity.
8. Can I see photos of your completed projects?
9. Do you warranty your work?
10. What can I expect in terms of the disruption to my daily life and for how long?
11. Have you had any complaints filed against you with the state attorney general's office or BBB?
Don't forget to check with these organizations to verify the clean record.
12. Are you licensed and may I have copies of your insurance certificates for worker's comp and liability insurance?
13. What out-of-pocket costs am I responsible for, such as permits, utility hook-ups, and builder's risk insurance?
14. Can you give me a timeline of what happens when (the order of steps and length of each step?)
15. If we select your firm, what happens next and when do I owe money?
Find more contractor tips here- Renovate vs. Selling in a Buyer's Market.
Here are a list of the top 15 questions to ask a contractor, to help guide you through selecting the right contractor for your remodel:
1. What professional designations do you have, such as Certified Graduate Remodeler or Certified ‘Aging In Place Specialist?'
2. How do you like to work with clients?
Be sure whether their system or style will work for you.
3. Who is on-site daily to manage the work?
4. How long have you worked with your trade's contractors (i.e. plumbing, electrical, and drywall contractors) and how long have you been in business?
Some builders are one-person companies that hire sub-contractors on an "as needed" basis.
5. How do you screen your trade's contractors?
6. What is your average for on-time/within-budget completion?
7. Can you give me some references of home owners and subcontractors who you've worked for/with in the past, that I can call?
When following these references, evaluate the contractor's professionalism, performance, quality of work, whether the contractor sticks to a quote or comes in way over budget, and whether the project was completed on time. Also, trades contractors can reveal a lot about a building and remodeling contractor, including whether they are good to work for and pay on time -- this speaks volumes about the contractor's business practices and integrity.
8. Can I see photos of your completed projects?
9. Do you warranty your work?
10. What can I expect in terms of the disruption to my daily life and for how long?
11. Have you had any complaints filed against you with the state attorney general's office or BBB?
Don't forget to check with these organizations to verify the clean record.
12. Are you licensed and may I have copies of your insurance certificates for worker's comp and liability insurance?
13. What out-of-pocket costs am I responsible for, such as permits, utility hook-ups, and builder's risk insurance?
14. Can you give me a timeline of what happens when (the order of steps and length of each step?)
15. If we select your firm, what happens next and when do I owe money?
Find more contractor tips here- Renovate vs. Selling in a Buyer's Market.
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