If you've decided to forgo any
attempts at doing-it-yourself and want to hire a contractor
instead, there are many important things to consider before
signing on the dotted line. The following pointers should
help you find a contractor that will work closely with you
to achieve the desired results:
 Start by collecting a list of more than one
contractor by asking around. Call up any friends you know
who have had work done on their home and ask for companies
they recommend. Once you've found a few prospects, view
examples of their work to determine whether or not the
finished product is up to your standards.
 Gather rough estimates from each contractor on
your list. This is an important step because price will help
you narrow done potential contractors and find out which
ones are honest about price.
 If your job is a major one, obtain more than one
bid (at least 3 bids is a good idea). Just remember that
this part of the process does take some time, so allow the
contractors 3 weeks to come up with a proper bid. Read each
bid carefully and make sure they outline the materials to be
used. And don't make a selection based solely on price - if
a particular contractor outbids the others, ensure they have
the appropriate experience and knowledge to pull off the
job.
 Another factor to look into: how long has the
contractor been in business? Usually the rule of thumb is
the longer they've been in business, the better. Also find
out what bank finances the company and ask them about the
contractor's general solvency. If a contractor goes bankrupt
in the middle of your project, that could mean trouble.
 Does the contractor carry insurance? If so, make
sure it covers property damage, liability, and workers'
compensation. Contractors that have no insurance put you at
risk, making you liable for fees if an accident occurs.
As long as you do your homework ahead of time and put a good
effort into the selection process, you'll be able to find a
good contractor for a reasonable price. |
