Tips for Hiring a Remodeling Contractor
If you are planning on having work done on your home, are
preparing it for market or decided to remodel your existing home rather
than move, here are some things to consider before hiring a contractor.
1. Get at least three written estimates.
2. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the
contractor completed. Contact the local Home Builders Association for a
list of builders that specialize in remodeling. With
home construction starts down, new home builders are turning to
remodeling. It is better to work with a contractor that has experience
in remodeling. It has challenges and requires skills many new
construction contractors just don't have.
There are fewer green remodeling contractors, however, their numbers are
growing rapidly. You may want to work with a
third party certifier to ensure the
green practices/products are being used properly.
3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better
Business Bureau for complaints.
4. Be sure the contract states exactly what is
to be done and how change orders will be handled.
5. Make as small of a down payment as possible so you
won't lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job.
6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits,
licenses, and insurance.
7. Check that the contract states when the work will be
completed and what recourse you have if it isn't. However, keep in mind,
the wild card in remodeling are the surprises a contractor might find in
a home, especially an older home.
8. Ask if the contractor's workers will do the
entire job or whether subcontractors will be involved too. Ask
if the worker's have been trained or if they were chosen 'for the day'.
9. Get the contractor to indemnify you if work does not
meet any local building codes or regulations.
10. Be sure that the contract specifies the contractor
will clean up after the job and be responsible for any damage. If you
will be home during the remodeling period, you may want to discuss
worker's music and parking arrangement.
11. Guarantee that the materials that will be used meet
your specifications.
12. Don't make the final payment until you're satisfied
with the work.
13. Try to enjoy the process. You only hear the
horror stories about remodeling. Most folks I speak to are glad to have
the project done, but the experience with the contractor and the workers
was good. Many have a post project party with the
remodeling team and their families!
Third party certifier will inspect the work of
a contractor, recommend improvements if necessary and certify it to the
appropriate 'green standard', Energy Star being the most widely
currently accepted for remodeling projects. |
