| Whether you are remodeling your kitchen, | | | | the contractor's work, if they finished on |
| getting new windows or building an addition, | | | | time and the communication between the |
| choosing a contractor is one of the most | | | | contractor and the homeowner. Keep in mind |
| important steps the process. Hiring a | | | | that a contractor may provide a reference |
| competent, reliable and professional | | | | with the mindset that he performed great on |
| contractor is the first step toward a | | | | the job, but the customer may feel |
| successful home improvement or home repair | | | | differently. Considering you are the |
| project. It takes more effort than a simple | | | | potential customer, you will want to at least |
| phone call. Most homeowners would agree that | | | | hear the customer's perspective. |
| contractors and home improvement companies | | | | |
| vary significantly by cost, availability, | | | | Because your home may be one of your most |
| expertise and professionalism. Taking the | | | | valuable assets and largest investments, it |
| time now to do research could save you | | | | is important to hire only the best. You need |
| unnecessary headaches and, most importantly, | | | | to protect your investment by hiring a |
| hundreds and even thousands of dollars. | | | | quality contractor and/or professional to |
| | | | work on it. |
| Adhere to the recommendation to obtain at | | | | |
| least three estimates or quotes. You will be | | | | Home improvement, repair and maintenance |
| surprised to find that two contractors may | | | | professionals often advertise in the |
| submit two widely different estimates on the | | | | telephone book, online directories, on the |
| same project. When comparing the estimates, | | | | radio or TV or through online referral |
| though, be sure they are providing a quote on | | | | services. Do not evaluate the contractor's |
| the same scope of the project, timeline and | | | | quality based on the advertisement. The best |
| quality of work. Otherwise, it is a rather | | | | way to obtain referrals is from friends, |
| useless comparison analogous to comparing | | | | family or co-workers who have worked with |
| applies to oranges. | | | | contractors on their home improvement |
| | | | projects. Even with these referrals, though, |
| Also, request to see the contractor's license | | | | be sure to get multiple estimates and be sure |
| and certificate of insurance. Most states | | | | the estimates are in writing. Do not |
| require a contractor to carry certain types | | | | automatically choose the lowest quote, also. |
| of insurance, such as worker's compensation, | | | | Ask the contractor to explain price |
| property damage and personal liability. | | | | variations. The contractor may also be |
| However, many either never purchased it or | | | | willing to revise the quote after some |
| allowed the policies to lapse. Without proper | | | | discussion. |
| coverage, you could be liable for any | | | | |
| employee injuries or proper damage caused | | | | Most importantly, you need to feel |
| during the project. | | | | comfortable with the contractor. |
| | | | Communication is at the core of a successful |
| Do not be afraid to contact and investigate | | | | home project and, if you do not feel |
| local references from previous customers. Ask | | | | comfortable communicating with the |
| questions regarding their satisfaction with | | | | contractor, problems will likely arise. |