1: HE MUST BE RELIABLE.
Make sure your contractor is licensed by your state (if required), has been in business for 5 years or more, carries general liability insurance (get copies of his policies) and carries worker's compensation. Additionally, make sure he has sufficient capital and doesn't need your business to pay his bills this month.
2: WORKMANSHIP.
The only way to judge workmanship is through on-site inspection. Ask for references and arrange to examine projects similar to yours from previous jobs. Most contractors will carry photo books to show you samples of their work.
3: TRUST AND WORKING TOGETHER.
Best contractors care as much as you do. If you want to be involved in every decision, then hire a contractor who is comfortable with close supervision. If you want to leave the details to an expert, then hire one whose decisions you trust.
4: BIDS.
Get bids. Three would be best. To get comparable bids for your project, write out the specifications, including sample building materials and fixtures and give copy to each contractor submitting a bid. The more detailed the specifications, the easier it will be to compare bids because all should use same materials in their cost breakdowns. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, hire a designer to create project specifications. You will save money and aggravation in the long run.
5: PRICE CHECKING.
Request a cost breakdown sheet and double check all the prices. This should include labor, materials, fixtures, and expenses (including subcontractor bids and building permits). Finally, make sure that your contractor gives you a fixed timetable.
6: STAY WITH IT.
The projects that turn out the best are the ones where you have not walked away. Even the best contractor needs to be supervised. Make your final payment only when the work is completed to your satisfaction. 30% is a reasonable down payment upon delivery of materials. Finally, pay by check with the contractor's company name. - 14915
Make sure your contractor is licensed by your state (if required), has been in business for 5 years or more, carries general liability insurance (get copies of his policies) and carries worker's compensation. Additionally, make sure he has sufficient capital and doesn't need your business to pay his bills this month.
2: WORKMANSHIP.
The only way to judge workmanship is through on-site inspection. Ask for references and arrange to examine projects similar to yours from previous jobs. Most contractors will carry photo books to show you samples of their work.
3: TRUST AND WORKING TOGETHER.
Best contractors care as much as you do. If you want to be involved in every decision, then hire a contractor who is comfortable with close supervision. If you want to leave the details to an expert, then hire one whose decisions you trust.
4: BIDS.
Get bids. Three would be best. To get comparable bids for your project, write out the specifications, including sample building materials and fixtures and give copy to each contractor submitting a bid. The more detailed the specifications, the easier it will be to compare bids because all should use same materials in their cost breakdowns. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, hire a designer to create project specifications. You will save money and aggravation in the long run.
5: PRICE CHECKING.
Request a cost breakdown sheet and double check all the prices. This should include labor, materials, fixtures, and expenses (including subcontractor bids and building permits). Finally, make sure that your contractor gives you a fixed timetable.
6: STAY WITH IT.
The projects that turn out the best are the ones where you have not walked away. Even the best contractor needs to be supervised. Make your final payment only when the work is completed to your satisfaction. 30% is a reasonable down payment upon delivery of materials. Finally, pay by check with the contractor's company name. - 14915
About the Author:
Steven M. Fisher has spent several years advising in the Home Improvement, Building and Remodeling Fields. Before you make any large purchases for your home, check out the Home Remodeling Portal where you can find information on thousands of products and manufacturers at the click of a mouse, as well as, several informative "6 Things To Know Before You Buy..." articles.
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