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How To Find a Reputable Home Improvement Contractor

By
Real Estate Agent with HomeSmart, Evergreen Realty

Are you planning for some home improvement or remodeling?

home improvement Think through the basics of what you want in terms of home or property improvement and general range of what money you can afford to pay.

 You will  want to use a home or remodeling contractor who words hard and carefully, who is honest, reputable and does high quality work, using good materials, while providing value at reasonable cost. 

Ask for contractor recommendations from people you know and trust ... possibly those who have had similar work done.

Check with your friendly Realtor agent Realtor.orgin the community who usually has significant information about reputable contractors in the area.

The Coldwell Banker Concierge service program will have information about qualified contractors in your area.

Talk to building inspectors and people who should know first hand the work and reputation of contractors in your community.

For a large job, always interview and get bids from two or three contractors, and make sure they are bidding on the same job specifications to allow accurate comparisons.

Remember that the lowest bid is not necessarily the best, and the contractor with a reputation for excellent workmanship and for standing behind the work could charge more.

Check that the contractor's references that had similar work done.  For a kitchen remodeling, ask for former clients who have had kitchen wori.  Call the references.  Some people like to talk about jobs that they have had done at their homes.  Ask about what the contractor did and whether the client was happy  with the way things worked out.  Ask whether this person would hire the contractor again.

Check credential and contractor background.  Get a copy of the contractor's license and liability and worker´s comp insurance coverage binder.  Check with state contractor´s board to make sure the license is in good standing.  Otherwise check with your local Better Business Bureau.

Do your part and be truthful when providing information about yourself and your home improvement and property situation. 

Use the valued information you will have available.  Trust your own instincts on choice of your home improvement contractor.

Please contact us with your questions about real estate.  Thank you.  Harrison K. Long, Explore Group Properties, Coldwell Banker Previews, Irvine, CA.

Explore Group Properties

Harrison K. Long - Realtor & Broker (Explore Group Properties, Coldwell Banker Previews, South OC): Real Estate Agent in Irvine, CA

 

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Comments (2)

Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Harrison,

This is great information for people looking to have work done on their homes.  It's so important to bring in the right contractor.

Jan 17, 2009 04:58 PM
Harrison K. Long
HomeSmart, Evergreen Realty - Irvine, CA
REALTOR , GRI, Broker associate, Attorney

Christine ... thanks for the comment here and support for the idea on how to find a home improvement contractor.  The Best to you. Harrison

Jan 18, 2009 06:37 AM