Thinking of Remodeling? Don't Get Hammered and Nailed by a Contractor

Article by: Donald Lawson

Next to slimy used car salesmen and shoddy Builders, the people I see taking advantage of consumers the most are remodeling contractors. , Steel Garages Come to think about it, I'd say they are at the top of the list!

It doesn't matter how large or small the job is, everyone can fall , Steel Garages victim. I've seen homeowners doing $2500 jobs get taken advantage of just as quick as Clients doing a $157,000 project.

Here are a few fast and hard tips , Infrared Saunas - History, Health Benefits and Technology to keep you from getting hammered and nailed by a remodeling contractor. , What To Look For In Deep Fryers

If your state requires contractors , Log Cabin Kit Homes - How To Find Log Cabin Building Kits to be licensed, , Your Home Sauna - Choosing the Best Location ask for their license and follow up with the State to make sure their license is still current. Also ask for any complaints they may have against them.
Ask the contractors , Custom Kitchen Cabinets for a copy of their General Liability Insurance. Any reputable company will give you a copy. Follow up with a call , What To Look For In Deep Fryers to the company to make sure they actually have a policy and that it is current. Many a homeowner has tried to file a claim against bogus insurance policies. If the contractor , What To Look For In Deep Fryers doesn't have General Liability Insurance, don't use them. Period. If someone gets hurt at your home , Carbon Monoxide Can Be Deadly--Early Detection Monitors Make It Easy to Protect Your Family and the contractor , Tankless Water Heater Advantages does not have insurance, in many states you can be sued for any damages!
Ask for a list of recent and past references, including Clients who were not happy with the contractors , Is an Electric Fireplace Right for You? work. If you deal with the general public enough, you'll have unhappy clients. Everyone does. If the contractor , Air Filters Guide - Guidelines for Air Filters tells you he doesn't, either they have not been in business very long or they are lying.
Check with the BBB in your area to see if there have been any claims against the contractor. , Planning your Bathroom Tile Design, Pattern & Installation If so, see how they followed up. The BBB is not a guarantee against hiring a bad contractor, , Consider Painting s for Your Next Project many times good ones are not listed with the BBB. Many of us who are self employed see the BBB as just another organization who makes money off of business's through advertising.
A better organization to check is Angie's List. You can find them at www.angieslist.com. Companies on Angies List cannot buy their way in or change , Window Dressing from the Outside Looking In the reviews of the consumers. Think of Angies List as a neighborhood referral list where a companies past customers grade their work. I've found them to be much more accurate and helpful than the BBB. The only downfall is they are not in every city yet.
Do not pay the contractor , Tips On How To Care For Your Ceramic Tile Floor in cash! At the very least, pay them with a check. A credit card is even better, however some do not accept credit cards. That's okay as long as they'll take a check. If they refuse and only want cash, send them along their way. 'Cash Only' contractors , UFFI: Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation - What is UFFI? are a red flag.
Pay the contractor , How About a Jungle Mural to Put Some Swing Into Your Child’s Room? in 'draws'. Most contractors , UFFI: Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation - What is UFFI? are use to getting paid as they go along. A draw payment is a partial payment. Normally the contractor , Getting The Victorian Look On A Budget will get paid something like 25% before they begin as a deposit, then another 25% part of the way through, then another 25% when they near completion and then the final 25% when they are finished. This is a rough sketch of a draw just to give you an idea how contractors , The Cost of Replacement Storm Windows work. Avoid any contractors , Get the Lead Out: Candle Wicks in the US who want the money up front, that's not how legitimate contractors , The Cost of Replacement Storm Windows work.
Have plans , Duct Tape Wallets (blueprints) and a contract for your remodeling job drawn up. Have an attorney experienced in construction contracts draw yours up. Yes, plans , Steel Garages and contracts cost money. Without plans , Infrared Saunas - History, Health Benefits and Technology or a contract, it's your word against theirs, and their word wins more times than not. Along with the plans, , Get the Lead Out: Candle Wicks in the US have specifications of what you want drawn up as well. Specify everything, from the type of lumber to the brand and type of faucets you'll be installing. Leave nothing to chance! Plans , How To Install Furring Strips to Concrete Walls and specifications are the 'parts list' for your remodeling project. Without them, it's up the the contractor , Log Homes - Finding the Perfect Log Home Plan as to what goes in the project. Trust me, don't leave it up to a contractor! , Consider Painting s for Your Next Project
Hire an independent third party inspector (TPI). Not just any inspector either. You want a Code certified inspector who is knowledgeable about the codes in your area. Don't rely on the city or county inspectors if you have them in your area. Municipal code inspectors do not inspect for the quality of workmanship. Many are overworked and in a hurry and only look for a few things. They also do not have your best interest at stake. They work for the city or county and are looking out for the municipals best interest. Your TPI is on your side and has your best interest at stake. Your third party inspector can meet with you and your contractor , 3 Benefits of Owning a Patio Awning and help you avoid surprises along the way. They can also warn you when the contractor , Air Filters Guide - Guidelines for Air Filters starts to use short cuts with your project.
Your TPI should inspect the area that is to be remodeled before construction begins, during and after the construction is completed. Should problems arise, have all work (and draw payments) stopped until your TPI, you and the contractor , Rawhide Lamp Shades for Rustic Lighting - How to Measure and Choose the Right Size Lampshade can come to an agreement. Your TPI will be the best money spent if you hire the most qualified candidate!

Good luck on your remodeling project. And remember, there are shady contractors , What To Look For In Deep Fryers with big ads in the phone , Grandfather Clocks Through the Centuries books and driving new pickups just looking for their next victim. Don't you be it!

Donald Lawson is a Professional Real Estate Inspector licensed , Duct Tape Wallets in Texas (#5824) and Oklahoma (#454). He currently owns and operates V.I.P. Home , Pellet Stoves Inspections, a multi-inspector firm in Houston Texas. Donald and his company perform all types of home , Tankless Water Heater Advantages and construction inspections in Houston and the surrounding areas.

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