I think most of us have been burned at one point or another when hiring a contractor to do some work. I've been there in the past when working with a contractor that my neighbor recommended. Bad decision.
The end result ended up fine, but I had to be on top of the contractors every day and through out the day (did I have time for this?) I thought the owner of the company that I spoke with would be doing the work..or at least there supervising occasionally...wrong. I can still see Felix Unger from the odd couple writing on a chalkboard that to assume makes an ASS out of U and ME. Instead I had two very skilled men that spoke NO english and we had a very hard time communicating. The one contractor who was the "demo" and "prep" guy wanted to cut corners at every chance and tell me I didn't need permits. No permits..hmmm...this after I stressed at the start that I wanted to have permits for everything needed.
So...if I can screw up and choose a contractor that was not to my liking, I am going to pass on some tips that I learned first hand. Here are some things you should know when hiring a contractor:
1) Ask your REALTOR® for a trusted contractor. This was before I had a list of trusted contractors through our Prudentials' Home Service Department.
2) Check the CCB# to make sure their license is current. Also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints against them.
3) Ask for referrals and to see previous work done.
4) Make sure you have put EVERYTHING in writing. This is very important! I'm talking about all those details that you might not think of at the start. For example, if getting your wood floors re-finished, how will they block off the other areas. With any project, how will the area be left each day, hours worked such as start and finish time, and of course the completion schedule. If materials need to be ordered, who through, who picks them up, etc. All of this seriously needs to be in writing.
5) Never pay for everything in advance. I like the 1/3 in the beginning, 1/3 during and 1/3 at completion of the project.
6) If you see something is not what you agreed to, speak up as soon as you notice things.
7) Get permits. Yes, you might not need them in some cases, but if you are thinking of moving in the next couple of years, the buyers are going to want to see them to make sure the work was done to code.
This is just one of those things that you have at your fingertips when working with Prudential NW Properties. Once a client, you have use of this service for life. Here is some more info on our Home Service Department.
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