Checking out kitchen contractors doesn't have to be a dreaded job when
considering the investment you are making in your home through renovation.
Investing a little time in the investigating of contractors will give you peace
of mind, confidence in your contractor and the expected end. There are a few
helpful steps to get you started and erase uncertainty and doubt from your mind.
Sleeping well at night is an added bonus!
Always ask the contractor for referrals. This is the number one mistake
homeowners make by simply taking the contractor word and not checking him out.
Being victimized is an unwanted reality in today's world. Word of mouth is the
best way to find a qualified and reliable contractor who's work you can check
out. Ask relatives, friends and neighbors who they have used and had good
relationships with. Ask questions like what made it a positive experience, how
the contractor communicated with you and how he handled problems that arose. The
big question is, would you use him again?
Be sure to check out their credentials through research of the recommended
contractors. Make sure the contractors hold all the obligatory licenses he needs
to get the job done such as licenses from the state and local municipalities as
well as designations from any professional associations...
Any remodeling professional worth his or her name, will have invested in the
coursework and passed rigorous tests in order to earn a precise certification.
Be aware, however, that all certifications are not created equal. Check out what
it took to be certified in the area they say they are certified in.
There is nothing inappropriate with interviewing candidates so set up times to
go over the plans you have and see if you and the contractor have the same train
of thought and he will be willing to work with your ideas and at the same time,
offer some helpful ones of his own. Do not go overboard with the quotes because
it can get way too confusing when trying to make a decision. Write down
questions ahead of time. Being prepared helps you to not forget things that are
important to your project. The contractor should be willing to listen to you and
offers the pros and cons of your design for your specific house. It's important
to have good communication between you and your contractor eliminating hopefully
any friction if the unexpected is to arise which in renovation, the surprises
are likely.
Having good chemistry with your contractor is obligatory because this is
probably going to be someone you will be working with for quite sometime. You
have to trust the people you are working with! Always require in the bid price
the scope of the work, payment schedule, a site plan, schedule of primary
construction tasks, change order clause, list for close out and express limited
warranty. In addition, a clause about dispute resolution and a waiver of lien
which would protect you from subcontractors putting a lien on the house in case
the contractor did not pay. Hopefully everything will check out and you can move
forward with confidence!
This work is protected under copyright and may not be published in other works without express written permission
Return to Brokerforyou's real estate articles