| Finding the Right Window Contractor | | | | Asks you to pay for the entire job up-front |
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| Home Sweet Home Improvement | | | | Hiring a Contractor |
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| Whether you're planning an addition for a | | | | Interview each contractor you're considering. |
| growing family or simply getting new | | | | Here are some questions to ask. |
| replacement windows, finding a competent and | | | | |
| reliable contractor is the first step to a | | | | How long have you been in business? |
| successful and satisfying home improvement | | | | |
| project. | | | | Look for a well-established company and check |
| | | | it out with consumer protection officials. |
| Your home may be your most valuable financial | | | | They can tell you if there are unresolved |
| asset. That's why it's important to be | | | | consumer complaints on file. One caveat: No |
| cautious when you hire someone to work on it. | | | | record of complaints against a particular |
| Home improvement and repair and maintenance | | | | contractor doesn't necessarily mean no |
| contractors often advertise in newspapers, | | | | previous consumer problems. It may be that |
| the Yellow Pages, and on the radio and TV. | | | | problems exist, but have not yet been |
| However, don't consider an ad an indication | | | | reported, or that the contractor is doing |
| of the quality of a contractor's work. Your | | | | business under several different names. |
| best bet is a reality check from those in the | | | | |
| know: friends, neighbors, or co-workers who | | | | Are you licensed and registered with the |
| have had improvement work done. Get written | | | | state? |
| estimates from several firms. Ask for | | | | |
| explanations for price variations. Don't | | | | While most states license electrical and |
| automatically choose the lowest bidder. | | | | plumbing contractors, only 36 states have |
| | | | some type of licensing and registration |
| Home Improvement Professionals | | | | statutes affecting contractors, remodelers, |
| | | | and/or specialty contractors. The licensing |
| Depending on the size and complexity of your | | | | can range from simple registration to a |
| project, you may choose to work with a number | | | | detailed qualification process. Also, the |
| of different professionals: | | | | licens¬ing requirements in one locality |
| | | | maybe different from the requirements in the |
| General Contractors manage all aspects of | | | | rest of the state. Check with your local |
| your project, including hiring and | | | | building department or consumer protection |
| supervising subcontractors, getting building | | | | agency to find out about licensing |
| permits, and scheduling inspections. They | | | | requirements in your area. If your state has |
| also work with architects and designers. | | | | licensing laws, ask to see the contractor's |
| | | | license. Make sure it's current. |
| Specialty Contractors install particular | | | | |
| products, such as cabinets and bathroom | | | | How many projects like mine have you |
| fixtures. | | | | completed in the last year? |
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| Architects design homes, additions, and major | | | | Ask for a list. This will help you determine |
| renovations. If your project includes | | | | how familiar the contractor is with your type |
| structural changes, you may want to hire an | | | | of project. |
| architect who specializes in home remodeling. | | | | |
| | | | Will my project require a permit? |
| Designers have expertise in specific areas of | | | | |
| the home, such as kitchens and baths. | | | | Most states and localities require permits |
| | | | for building projects, even for simple jobs |
| Design/Build Contractors provide one-stop | | | | like decks. A competent contractor will get |
| service. They see your project throughfrom | | | | all the necessary permits before starting |
| start to finish. Some firms have architects | | | | work on your project. Be suspicious if the |
| on staff; others use certified designers. | | | | contractor asks you to get the permit(s). It |
| | | | could mean that the contractor is not |
| Don't Get Nailed | | | | licensed or registered, as required by your |
| | | | state or locality. |
| Not all contractors operate within the law. | | | | |
| Here are some tip-offs to potentialrip-offs. | | | | May I have a list of references? |
| A less than reputable contractor: | | | | |
| | | | The contractor should be able to give you the |
| Solicits door-to-door | | | | names and addresses of at least three clients |
| | | | who have projects similar to yours. Ask each |
| Just happens to have materials left over from | | | | how long ago the project was completed and if |
| a previous job | | | | you can see it. |
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| Only accepts cash payments | | | | What types of insurance do you carry? |
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| Asks you to get the required building permits | | | | Contractors should have personal liability, |
| | | | worker's compensation, and property damage |
| Does not list a business number in the local | | | | coverage. Ask for copies of insurance |
| telephone directory | | | | certificates, and make sure they're current. |
| | | | Avoid doing business with contractors who |
| Tells you your job will be a "demonstration" | | | | don't carry the appropriate insurance. |
| | | | Otherwise, you'll be held liable for any |
| Pressures you for an immediate decision | | | | injuries and damages that occur during the |
| | | | project. |