How do You Avoid Hiring a Contractor from Hell?
Everyone's heard horror stories about Renovations. Seldom on budget or on time ~ how do you make YOUR renovation a thing of beauty? Well it probably begins and ends with the Contractor you Hire - so how do you avoiding hiring a Contractor from Hell?
A good place to start is with family and friends. Ask them for referrals! Other good sources are the local building and supply company, building inspectors and there's always Google!
It's always a good thing to interview a few different contractors to get their feedback and suggestions. Start By:
* meeting first to see if you 'click'.....make this one just a 'meet and greet'; ask them how long they've been in the business - or what they specialize in.......do they have their own crew or do they sub-contract? Do they offer a warranty and what does it cover? Do they provide liability insurance and will they give you a written contract? Then ask for references and 'google' their name!
* get three quotes -but don't necessarily go with the cheapest!
*ask for references - and go and check out their previous work but old and recent!
*check the Better Business Bureau for filed complaints.
*always ask for a written contract; have it itemize the product, material, and labor costs and a timetable. Don't sign a blank contract or one with blank spaces.
*try not to make changes after the work begins- it's a surefire way to lead to delays and cost overruns.
*no matter how small the job don't do it 'under the table' for 'cash'...you could lose your deposit and or end up with poor workmanship and find yourself with no recourse! Pay be cheque and to the company and not the individual. A 25-30% deposit is reasonable upon delivery of materials but only make your Final payment when the work is done and you're happy with it!
*read the contract carefully - be sure to note the promised time frame - and have a back up plan if it runs behind!
The Contract Should Include:
1. Address of where work is to be done
2. Your name and address
3. Contractor's name and address, phone and GST numbers
4. Detailed description of work to be done including plans, drawings, type, quality and model of material to be used
5. The right to retain a lien holdback as per provincial laws
6. Clause insuring that work will conform to all applicable codes (ie. building, safety and fire codes)
7. Start and completion dates
8. Price and payment schedule
Remember the Contractor's Responsibilities Include:
- public liability insurance
- property damage insurance
- identifying any required permits and make sure all the legal requirements are met
- that there is Workers Compensation for all the Contractor's employees or sub-contractors
- removal of construction debris when job is done
- responsible for all his work and that of the sub-contractors - with a warranty for all work and materials for at least 1 year
Here are some links to some helpful sites!
If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.
Copyright © 2009 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. All photos taken by Liz Moras and copywritten. Please do not use without permission. Information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive. It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Landmark Realty Chwk. Ltd.
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