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