This is a photo of a project where contractors were hired but one of the things that this individual didn't ask was:
Do you clean up at the end of each day?
What do you consider, clean up?
Do you keep your materials organized?
Look people. Look at this photo. Is this something that you could live with?
Don't let everybody fool and just because the contractor looks cute, talks great, can charm the leg off of you, doesn't mean that they respond in time, keep things clean and organized.
Here's some questions you need to ask when hiring a repairman, contractor or general contractor:
1. Do you have a license to perform this work?
2. Do you have insurance (obtain a copy and then check to see how many claims against the insurance policy), better yet, is it current?
3. Are you bonded?
When someone is bonded and they don't complete the job to satisfaction, you can file a grievance against the policy until it is done right and if not, collect against it to get the work completed.
4. In an emergency, what is your response and repair time?
5. What is you lead time?
6. Do you have a list of properties and their owners names that I can call for references?
7. Who gets the permits for the work?
8. Are you paying for the removal of your work from the site? (or are they putting it by your garage dumpster for City Pickup?)
9. If you do not keep the property clean, will you be paying for the citation from the City?
10. If your work causes a stop work order, will you be paying for it?
11. Do you have photos on how you maintain your work at the properties?
12. Do you have any oustanding complaints or violations with respect to your work, now or in the past. If so, what were they?
13. Do you keep the property in broom swept condition at the end of the day?
14. Do you have a control list for material management and organization?
Painting:
1. What type of paint will you be using?
2. What type of primer and how many coats?
3. Is the primer sprayed or rolled?
4. How many coats of paint?
Is the first coat sprayed and the second rolled?
ELECTRICAL:
Increasing Power:
1. What is the cost for upgrading from 60 Amps to 100 Amps?
2. From 60 to 200 Amps?
NOTE: Alot of contractors will push for 200 Amps when only 100 Amps is needed. Contract the City of Chicago to find out the guidelines for square footage and designated circuits for fixtures, appliances, etc.
3. What outlets in the house will have designated lines for appliances, W/D, Central Air, Furnace, etc?
4. What stylel of outlet will you be installing (design wise)
5. The permit is included with this work?
6. What are the steps/process for doing this type of work? Will you need to come back again or is it all done at once?
7. Will the power be shut off and if so, for how long?
8. Do you clean up after your work and where do you dispose of it?
9. Can I have names of people you have worked for recently and their phone numbers.
These are some questions you need to ask contractors. I am a real estate agent and this past week was pretty trying for me because one guy was behind in his work, which set the others off and delayed the work for two weeks with the other contractors.
Make sure that you have in writing that should they be delayed in their schedule that a certain percentage will be taken off there bill for each occurence. The only delay I will accept is an Act of God (weather).
Don't give the contract more then what you consider there initial cost to start. If you have to, I break down their fees so that I know exactly the charges and they get smaller checks because of the delays in work or lack of being responsible. There are some pretty awesome contractors out there and then there are those that make the batch of apples look rotten.
When in doubt, go to Angies List.
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