HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR

Reposted from Jeanie Reed's Blog on Trulia.com

                        

The Do's

• Do plan your project carefully.
• Do shop around before hiring a contractor.
• Do get a least three written bids on your project.
• Do provide all contractors with accurate plans or drawings that will enable them to determine the scope and cost of work when requesting bids.
• Do check with the Contractors State License Board to make sure the contractor is properly licensed, and to check the status and disciplinary history of the license.
• Do check out contractors with your local building department, trade associations or unions, consumer protection agency, and the Better Business Bureau.
• Do look at the work the contractor has completed.
• Do ask your contractor to furnish a completion or contract bond.
• Do consult with more than one lending institution regarding the type of loan to obtain.
• Do make sure your contract provides for a retention, a percentage of each payment or of the total job, ordinarily 10%, which you retain until the job is completed.
• Do make sure everything you and your contractor have agreed to is included in your contract, and don't sign anything until you understand and agree with all terms.
• Do keep a job file.
• Do make sure you receive unconditional lien releases from subcontractors and material suppliers.
• Do make frequent inspections of the work, including a final walk-through.
• Do consult an attorney if a mechanics' lien is filed against your property.
• Do negotiate with the contractor first if problems or disagreements occur.

The Don'ts

• Don't be fooled or pressured by a smooth-talking salesperson.
• Don't sign anything until you completely understand it and agree to the terms.
• Don't pay cash with a proper receipt.
• Don't let your payments get ahead of the contractor's completed work.
• Don't hesitate to ask questions of the contractor.
• Don't make final payment until you are satisfied with the job.
• Don't make agreements with subcontractors or workers without consulting the prime contractor.

 

If you're considering a remodeling project for your home in Castle Rock or house in Centennial Colorado, we have a list of contractors that have been successfully used by agents in our office which we will be glad to share with you.  Contact me through this website.

Marianne Bandy
The Bandy Team
RE/MAX Professionals
Englewood, CO
303-746-7799

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