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Hiring a Pro

Learn how to work with home contractors and other housing professionals with Bob Vila, including information advising how to find a contractor, negotiate contracts, hire movers, and more.

Hiring a Pro Tips, page 1 of 3: [1] 2 3  >>    
25 Articles  48 Tips  8 Videos  81 All 
Bad Wiring
Bad Wiring
Electrical wiring should always be installed by a licensed electrician and inspected by your local wiring inspector. Your ...
Blasting Stone
Blasting Stone
If you have stone ledges on your building site, you will need to hire a licensed blasting contractor before you dig a ...
Blocked Chimney
Blocked Chimney
A blocked chimney can cause combustion by-products to leak into your home, and that is very dangerous to your health. Take few ...
Budget Decorating
Budget Decorating
Here's how to get the most from your home decorating efforts without breaking the bank. Look for good quality furniture with ...
Builder Check
Builder Check
If you plan to buy a lot on which to build a home, have a builder (preferably the one you plan to use) review any properties ...
Building Permits
Building Permits
Contact your local building inspection department to check for permit and inspection requirements. Be wary if your contractor ...
Building Scams
Building Scams
The National Association of Attorneys General lists home-improvement scams as one of the top-ten consumer problems. The most ...
Cancelling a Contract
Cancelling a Contract
Under the Home Solicitation Sales Act, you have a three-day right to cancel a contract if the contract was signed in your ...
Ceiling Fan Installation
Ceiling Fan Installation
Because it's much more complicated to install a ceiling fan than a ceiling light fixture, you might want to consider having ...
Chimney Liners
Chimney Liners
Have your chimney sweep ensure that your chimney has an appropriate liner. Chimney liners are required in new construction to ...
Choosing a Contractor
Choosing a Contractor
Before selecting a contractor for your next job, contact your local or state consumer agency and Better Business Bureau for ...
Contract Details
Contract Details
When hiring a contractor, insist on a complete written contract. Know exactly what work will be done, the quality of materials ...
Contractor Caution
Contractor Caution
Be especially cautious if a contractor: comes door-to-door or seeks you out; just happens to have material left over from a ...
Contractor Credit
Contractor Credit
Pay your contractor by credit card when you can. Under federal and state law, in most cases, you have the right to assert any ...
Contractor Insurance
Contractor Insurance
Be sure your contractor has the required personal liability, property damage and worker's compensation insurance for his/her ...
Contractor Payments
Contractor Payments
When working with a contractor, don't make final payment or sign an affidavit of final release until you are satisfied with ...
Contractor Warning Signs
Contractor Warning Signs
Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. By now, most homeowners know that you need to get quotes from several ...
Crane Rentals
Crane Rentals
When undertaking an attic or third floor renovation, consider using a crane for the heavy materials. For about $500 a day you ...
Extra Inspections
Extra Inspections
If your home inspector discovers a serious problem, another more specific inspection may be recommended. It's a good idea to ...
Fall Chimney Check
Fall Chimney Check
Back to school time means the home heating season is beginning to kick in. Have your chimneys and vents checked before you ...
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