Finding A Reliable Contractor
Home repair, kitchen renovation and advance is a process
you may not be familiar with until it becomes time to
tackle a project on your home. All homeowners at some
point will need to have some type of work done. Finding
the right contractor to renovate your kitchen can be
stressful, challenging and sometimes a very pricey
experience.
Home improvement fraud ranks as one of the top 5
grievances with the Attorney General's Office year after
year. Just being informed can protect you or people you
know from being conned by a contractor. Asking the
contractor the "right" questions gives you a piece of
mind that is priceless.
There's a lot to learn about which products to use and
what procedures best meet your individual desires.
Because of this lack of knowledge, homeowners can easily
be taken advantage of by people calling themselves home
improvement contractors. Therefore, it's absolutely
vital to know that you can rely on the contractor you
choose to give you good advice about those products and
procedures that may be new to you. Being able to trust
your contractor with your vision may not always prove
easy. The key is to find the right contractor for your
renovation from the beginning. Determining the
reliability, reputation and experience of the contractor
may take some time but will be time well spent!
Hiring an unlicensed contractor is risky. When his bid
comes under the others for your renovation your
thrilled, but when the work is done you discover average
materials and shabby workmanship. Then of course the
contractor is nowhere to be found and you discover why;
unlicensed. You also discover you can be held reliable
for on the job injuries or insurance. Not complying with
city or county codes and correcting problems are all
your responsibility when not dealing with a licensed
contractor. You can even be held for his illegal acts.
Hiring an unlicensed contractor is risky business to say
the least.
Licensed contractors however, are subject to laws
designed to protect both you and your investment against
empty promises and careless construction.
In general, most contractors are able, honest,
hard-working, financially responsible, and licensed.
First of all keep all your plans with accurate details
for the contractor that will enable him to price out the
work and cost. Always shop around and get at least three
bids from licensed contractors. Ask to see the
contractors license and make sure the bids have his
license number on it. Check their standing with the
State license board before you sign the contract or
allow work to begin. Be sure to check the contractors
references that you have gotten in writing. Call the
people and see if they were satisfied with the work or
drive out and examine their work. Get everything in
writing with all changes to be signed by you. Understand
what your signing and make sure everything you have
requested be in the contract. No rushing on the signing
of the contract especially if you are not sure about
something on the contract.
Make frequent inspections of your project and have a
final walk through. Pay directly to the contractor only.
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