Find the Right Contractor

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Your home may be your most valuable financial asset. That's why it's important to be cautious when you hire someone to work on it. Home improvement and repair and maintenance contractors often advertise in newspapers, the Yellow Pages, and on the radio and TV. However, don't consider an ad an indication of the quality of a contractor's work. Your best bet is a reality check from those in the know: friends, neighbors, or co-workers who have had improvement work done. Get written estimates from several firms. Ask for explanations for price variations. Don't automatically choose the lowest bidder. Home Improvement Professionals Depending on the size and complexity of your project, you may choose to work with a number of different professionals: • General Contractors manage all aspects of your project, including hiring and supervising subcontractors, getting building permits, and scheduling inspections. They also work with architects and designers. • Specialty Contractors install particular products, such as cabinets and bathroom fixtures. • Architects design homes, additions, and major renovations. If your project includes structural changes, you may want to hire an architect who specializes in home remodeling. • Designers have expertise in specific areas of the home, such as kitchens and baths. • Design/Build Contractors provide one stop service. They see your project through from start to finish. Some firms have architects on staff; others use certified designers. Don't Get Nailed Not all contractors operate within the law. Here are some tip-offs to potential rip-offs. A less than reputable contractor: • solicits door-to-door; • offers you discounts for finding other customers; • just happens to have materials left over from a previous job; • only accepts cash payments; • asks you to get the required building permits; • does not list a business number in the local telephone directory; • tells you your job will be a "demonstration;" • pressures you for an immediate decision; • offers exceptionally long guarantees; • asks you to pay for the entire job upfront; • suggests that you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows. If you're not careful, you could lose your home through a home improvement loan scam. Hiring a Contractor Interview each contractor you're considering. Here are some questions to ask: • How long have you been in business? Look for a well-established company and check it out with consumer protection officials. They can tell you if there are unresolved consumer complaints on file. One caveat: No record of complaints against a particular contractor doesn't necessarily mean no previous consumer problems. It may be that problems exist, but have not yet been reported, or that the contractor is doing business under several different names. • How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year? Ask for a list. This will help you determine how familiar the contractor is with your type of project. • Will my project require a permit? Most states and localities require permits for building projects, even for simple jobs like decks. A competent contractor will get all the necessary permits before starting work on your project. Be suspicious if the contractor asks you to get the permit(s). It could mean that the contractor is not licensed or registered, as required by your state or locality. • May I have a list of references? The contractor should be able to give you the names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least three clients who have projects similar to yours. Ask each how long ago the project was completed and if you can see it. Also, tell the contractor that you'd like to visit jobs in progress. • Will you be using subcontractors on this project? If yes, ask to meet them, and make sure they have current insurance coverage and licenses, if required. Also ask them if they were paid on time by this contractor. A "mechanic's lien" could be placed on your home if your contractor fails to pay the subcontractors and suppliers on your project. That means the subcontractors and suppliers could go to court to force you to sell your home to satisfy their unpaid bills from your project. Protect yourself by asking the contractor, and every subcontractor and supplier, for a lien release or lien waiver. • What types of insurance do you carry? Contractors should have personal liability, worker's compensation, and property damage coverage. Ask for copies of insurance certificates, and make sure they're current. Avoid doing business with contractors who don't carry the appropriate insurance. Otherwise, you'll be held liable for any injuries and damages that occur during the project.

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