Tips from Legal Shield: For every unprofessional contractor, there are many contractors who do great work and communicate well with their clients. The best way to avoid disputes is to pick the best contractor for the job. These tips may help you make the right choice for your next repair or home improvement project. 1.Avoid taking the lowest bid without considering other important factors. Receiving only one bid for an expensive project or only considering the lowest bid, is asking for trouble. Some contractors will underbid a project so you will hire them and bypass contractors with more realistic bids. A bid should breakdown the cost for materials, labor, fees for licenses or permits as well as the contractor’s profit margin. 2.Check the contractor’s references. Request the names and phone numbers of the owners of the last three projects completed by the contractor, then contact the owners and ask them about their experience with the contractor. If possible, visit at least one of the projects and closely inspect the detail work on the job. It may be helpful to visit a current worksite to see how the contractor works and how careful they are with the homeowner’s property. A chaotic and disorganized worksite is a major red flag. 3.Confirm the contractor is licensed and insured. Make sure the license authorizes the contractor to perform the specific work you are hiring them to perform. You should also ask to see a copy of his or her insurance policy and bond. 4.Ask for a detailed written estimate of the cost and scope of the work before agreeing to anything. Always incorporate the estimate into a concise, clearly worded agreement describing the work to be performed and the price. It should include a time frame for the work to be completed and a “hold back” provision that permits you to withhold a portion of the final payment until the work is completed and all governmental inspections are passed. You and the contractor should both sign the agreement. 5.For large projects or renovations utilize a payment schedule. Contractors who request a large sum upfront to begin work may have financial difficulties or be apprehensive about the quality of their own work. A payment schedule allows you to pay a sum upfront, and then make additional payments as certain milestones or dates are met.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 20:34:47 +0000
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