Sometimes other people can say it just a well or better, today is one of those times

This comes from the Mc Carthy Reality Group

Are you considering a large-scale home remodel?  Whether you are looking for a project intended to increase your home’s value, or you’re splurging on a pleasure project for your family, many of you will be turning to contractors to carry out the work that needs to be done.  However, not all contractors are equal.  It is important for you to outline your priorities for the project.  You’ll want a reliable contractor that can perform satisfactory work for a reasonable price.  Here’s a few tips to help get you started.

1. – Find yourself an insured and licensed contractor.  Don’t just pull a number from the classifieds and run with it without doing some proper homework.  Licensing ensures that the contractor in question is qualified to do the work being discussed.  To find out if your prospective contractor is licensed, contact your state license board and check up on them.

Insurance is another matter.  Insurance protects the workers the contractor will be employing, and your home from accidents resulting in damages.  Ask your contractor to provide you with proof of insurance.  If they can’t provide this, then move on to a new contractor.

2. – Referrals and reviews – Before you strike out on your own, ask your friends and family if they have anyone that they’d recommend.  Many times, the best contractors are found word-of-mouth.  Every contractor on the planet wants his clients to think that he’s the best for the job, but results speak for themselves.  Again, make sure any referrals are licensed and insured.  You don’t want to take the chance of incurring additional damages to your property due to negligence and accidents.  If no referrals can be found, then check online for reviews of local contractors.  Most reputable contractors will have solid online reviews that are easily accessible.  Contractors that operate their own websites are a plus.

3. – There’s no such thing as a stupid question.  If your contractor acts annoyed with you for asking too many questions, then you should probably consider someone else for the job.  Questions to consider asking are

– How long have you been in business?

– How much will this project cost in total?

– Have you performed this type of work before?

– What is the protocol if the project goes over-budget?

If you don’t like the answers given, then continue looking for a contractor you feel comfortable with.

4. – Don’t pay too much up front.  Paying up to a third of the total estimate up front isn’t unheard of.  This initial payment will more than likely be used to hire employees and buy supplies.  However, be wary of giving the contractor any more money until after your project is finished.  Also, don’t be afraid to get a rundown of how that initial payment will be spent.  Be thorough if you want to be.  The contractor should be able to give you a pretty good picture of the project in terms of cost and time.

5. – Get a contract – No matter the size of the project being undertaken, a contract should always be written up.  This will ensure a legally-binding agreement between you and the contractor exists in the event of the unforeseen.  Without a contract, there is no way to hold the contractor accountable in the event he performs an unsatisfactory job.  And trust me…Any hassles you may incur in securing a contract is nothing compared to going to court without one in the event something goes awry.  A proper contract should include the following information.

• When the project will start and end
• How and when you or the contractor is in default of the contract
• How any disputes will be rectified
• What happens if there is a delay due to weather, available materials, and so on.

Direct link to the article is below

Mc Carthy Reality Group