Tips On Hiring a Home Improvement Contractor

Whether you want to fix up certain parts of your house so that your home sells quickly, maybe you need some home maintenance done or you just moved into a new house that needs a little TLC – finding a good, dependable and hopefully not over-the-top expensive contractor can be a challenge.

• Your best bet is a reality check from those in the know: friends, neighbors, or co-workers who have had improvement work done.
• Get written estimates from several firms.
• Ask for explanations for price variations.
• Don't automatically choose the lowest bidder.

• ...only accepts cash payments;
• ...does not list a business number in the local telephone directory;
• ...tells you your job will be a “demonstration;”
• ...pressures you for an immediate decision;
• ...asks you to pay for the entire job up-front;
• ...suggests that you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows.

• How long have you been in business?
• Are you licensed and registered with the state? Check it and make sure it's current.
• How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year? Ask for a list.
• Will my project require a permit? A phone call to your local permitting office is the best--and only--way to determine if you need a permit if you really want to be on the safe side. http://www.pprbd.org/
• May I have a list of references?
• Will you be using subcontractors on this project? Make sure they are all insured and licensed.
• What types of insurance do you carry? Contractors should have personal liability, workers compensation, and property damage coverage. 

National Association of Home Builders: www.nahb.com

Toll Free: 1-866-SAY-NACAA

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