One big challenge for homeowners is finding the right company or person to work on their homes. Just getting a call back can be difficult, and the best contractors are booked in advance. Look to your Realtor for help here. We refer and employ many contractors in the course of our business – let us use our relationships to your advantage.
The issue of unlicensed contractors has been getting a lot of press in Lane County lately. A Contractors license means that a minimum of one person in a company has passed a state exam (primarily covering business management and compliance with law), and that the company can qualify and pay for a bond and liability insurance to protect the homeowner. It makes no attempt to ensure quality of any trade.
Lots of people do their own work, or get help from friends and family. In many circumstances this is legal, or at least low-risk. We are a nation of do-it-yourselfers and I consider this an inalienable right! But as a long time DIY’er, a former licensed contractor, and a full-time Realtor I've made the rounds on this subject, and urge you to consider the following when tackling projects yourself or paying someone to work on your home:
Small repairs and handyman work.
We tend to think that jobs requiring less skill (perhaps we would do them ourselves if we had the time) warrant less concern. There are many honest and capable workers available for hire, but if someone other than a licensed contractor falls off your roof while cleaning the gutters, you can be held liable.
Light remodeling – painting, hardware, trim carpentry.
Almost everybody can paint, and screwing knobs on cabinets is pretty simple, right? I enjoy doing the aesthetic work on my home, but here’s where quality (or lack of it) really shows. Consider the impact on your home’s value if a job is not done to professional standards.
New construction and/or remodeling involving structure, plumbing and electrical.
Permit enforcement and code compliance in Lane County have been dramatically increased in the last couple of years and the penalties for violation can be significant. Interview up to three licensed contractors. Get detailed quotes based on identical specifications. See examples of work. Check references with past clients and check license status and claims against bonds or insurance. Make sure to read and understand the contract. Don’t pay in full up front. Write the final check after you approve of the finished product. And make sure your contractor is someone you like – they and their employees will have close contact with your home and family. When considering substantial improvements, your Realtor can be a great resource to help you identify trends and determine the potential for return on investment.
Happy home improvement!
Bobby Stevens
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