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Choosing the best Contractor
for you
Whatever your Home Improvement
needs, you need a professional contractor you can trust. A professional
contractor will provide you with sound advice on products, reasonable
explanation of procedures, and most important, provide solid results.
Where to Begin
There are many ways to start your
search for the contractor who meets your individual needs. Referrals
are obviously the best source for names of credible companies. Ask friends
and family members who they have used in the past. The state and local
licensing authorities, local trade associations and your local yellow
page directory are also excellent sources of information, as well as
local suppliers of building products.
Meeting with a Contractor
After you have compiled a list of possible contractors, take time to
evaluate each one carefully. A professional contractor will be happy
to provide any information you may require.
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Set up a meeting to
discuss your needs and their qualifications: Good contractors
take pride in their work and will be enthusiastic about the possibility
of helping you with your problems.
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Experience:
The training and experience of a contractor, as well as the age of
his or her company, will help you determine their ability to successfully
complete your project.
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Licensing/Bonding: Ask for business license numbers and information on the company which
bonds the contractor.
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Insurance Coverage: A contractor should carry general liability insurance. Request the
name and address of the insurance. Beware of low bids which are a
result of incomplete insurance.
Professional References: Your contractor's past can
help determine your future. Ask to see pictures or get references
of work done.
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Company Philosophy: Discuss application techniques and workmanship guarantees. Does the
contractor stand behind his work?
Your contractor should have up-to-date knowledge on quality
products for your project. He or she is the best source of information,
but you should play an active role in the product selection process.
Ask questions about different materials such as brand names, life span,
thickness, design, available colors and warranties. Selecting the best
products is as important to your job as selecting the right contractor.
The Contract
Prior to drafting a contract, most contractors will provide you with
either an estimate or a proposal. An estimate typically
provides a single price, a generically described product, a color and
no options. A proposal offers more detail with a choice
of products by brand name, prices, services and designs. A proposal
will normally offer options-good, better and best-and include product
samples and literature.A contractor who takes the time
to prepare a good proposal will most likely do a more thorough job.
All items to be accomplished should be written as part of your contract.Get it in writing. Beware of verbal promises. When a contract is presented, it should spell
out the proposed work, prices and completion date. Read the contract
carefully.
Pay special attention to
be certain the following points are covered in the contract
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Start and Completion
Dates: including plan of action in case of weather delays.
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Products: what
will be used, brands, colors, etc.
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Site Procedures:
work hours, clean-up procedures around your home, etc.
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Warranties:
including both workmanship and product.
Sit Back and Relax
A little well-planned research up front will undoubtedly save you lot
of time and trouble later on. Once you feel confident that you have
the best contractor, the best products, the best value simply relax
and let your contractor do his job. Do, however monitor the progress
of your project to be certain your contractor lives up to his superior
reputation.
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