Saturday 12 January 2013

Ideas On How To Find A Contractor

By Charlotte McBride


You have saved your money, looked at design books, and visited hardware stores. The next step is figuring out how to find a contractor. Below are a few simple tips that will make this task simpler.

Get the names of contractors from everyone you know including the internet and yellow pages. The more the better. Then start making phone calls. You will probably be leaving messages most of the time, because contractors often work at each job site and make their own bookings. So be patient and they will call back.

When you do speak with them, discuss the work you want done and get a list of several references that you can contact. The list should have information about the work done, their quote for the job, and current contact information. Next, contact the references and find out if the work was completed on time. Also ask if there were any problems with the contractor or their employees. If possible, visit the site to see the quality of the finished work.

Here are some things to keep in mind while gathering quotes. High quotes can be a positive reflection on the contractor or it can mean the type of project is currently in high demand. Beware low prices because they can easily reflect the use of low quality materials or that the person is too inexperienced to place a proper bid. The prices to concentrate on are going to be in the middle of the price range.

Only hire someone that has a valid license and current insurance. Inspect it their license then call the issuing government agency and confirm it is valid. If they do not have current insurance, require them to obtain temporary insurance to cover their work on your property. If they are not willing to do so, consider if you want someone unwilling to cover your property while they work on it.

Another thing that is often over looked but should not be are specific terms of the contract such as smoking on the premises, use of your private bathroom, and where they will park. Also include the time they will start each day and when they will stop. If you want them to clean up at the end of each day, include that also in the contract.

Do not agree to make payments based on time rather than work completed. In the contract, state that payments will be paid when specified work is completed. The payments should be a percentage of the total amount agreed upon and should also state the last payment will be made at a specific time after work is completed.

Establish a paper trail by having the contractor sign and date a receipt for each payment you make. Make your payments by cheque or certified funds, never cash. It is best to be prepared for the possibility of having to appear in court over the work done, then the not be prepared.

Figuring out how to find a contractor is not difficult. Invest your time and check their references and validity of their license. Confirm they have valid insurance and clearly set terms in the contract that are typed, and easy to read.




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