Home repair, kitchen renovation and development is a course of action 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 complaints with the Attorney
General's Office year after year. Just being knowledgeable 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 not advisable. When his bid comes under the
others for your renovation your thrilled, but when the work is done you discover
mediocre 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.
Generally, 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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