1: RELIABILITY IS KEY.
Make sure your contractor is licensed by your state (if required), has been in business for 5 years or more, carries general liability insurance (get copies of his policies) and carries worker's compensation. Additionally, make sure he has sufficient capital and doesn't need your business to pay his bills this month.
2: STANDS BEHIND HIS WORK.
Referrals are the best way to choose. If that isn't a possibility, ask for references. The only way to judge the quality of his work is through on-site inspection. If you can see first hand some of his previous jobs that would be great. If not, most contractors carry photo books to show samples of their work.
3: THE TEAMWORK TEST.
The best contractors care as much as you do. If you want to be involved in every single decision, then find one that doesn't mind close supervision. If you want to leave the details to an expert, find a contractor whose decisions you will trust.
4: GET THE BIDS.
Try to get three bids. To get these bids, write out your specifications, including fixtures and sample building materials. Give a copy to each contractor submitting a bid. The more detailed the specifications, the easier it will be to compare bids because all should use same materials in their cost breakdowns. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, hire a designer to create the specifications before you. Although the designer step may seem like an extra cost, it may save you money and frustration in the long run.
5: CHECK PRICES.
Request a cost breakdown sheet and double check all the prices. This should include labor, materials, fixtures, and expenses (including subcontractor bids and building permits). Finally, make sure that your contractor gives you a fixed timetable.
6: STAY WITH IT.
Even the best contractor needs to be watched. The most successful projects are the ones in which you keep a watchful eye and not walk away. Write the check to a company. 30% is a reasonable down payment upon delivery of materials. Only make final payments when the work is completed to your satisfaction. - 15252
Make sure your contractor is licensed by your state (if required), has been in business for 5 years or more, carries general liability insurance (get copies of his policies) and carries worker's compensation. Additionally, make sure he has sufficient capital and doesn't need your business to pay his bills this month.
2: STANDS BEHIND HIS WORK.
Referrals are the best way to choose. If that isn't a possibility, ask for references. The only way to judge the quality of his work is through on-site inspection. If you can see first hand some of his previous jobs that would be great. If not, most contractors carry photo books to show samples of their work.
3: THE TEAMWORK TEST.
The best contractors care as much as you do. If you want to be involved in every single decision, then find one that doesn't mind close supervision. If you want to leave the details to an expert, find a contractor whose decisions you will trust.
4: GET THE BIDS.
Try to get three bids. To get these bids, write out your specifications, including fixtures and sample building materials. Give a copy to each contractor submitting a bid. The more detailed the specifications, the easier it will be to compare bids because all should use same materials in their cost breakdowns. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, hire a designer to create the specifications before you. Although the designer step may seem like an extra cost, it may save you money and frustration in the long run.
5: CHECK PRICES.
Request a cost breakdown sheet and double check all the prices. This should include labor, materials, fixtures, and expenses (including subcontractor bids and building permits). Finally, make sure that your contractor gives you a fixed timetable.
6: STAY WITH IT.
Even the best contractor needs to be watched. The most successful projects are the ones in which you keep a watchful eye and not walk away. Write the check to a company. 30% is a reasonable down payment upon delivery of materials. Only make final payments when the work is completed to your satisfaction. - 15252
About the Author:
Steven M. Fisher is well known in the Remodeling, Building and Remodeling Fields. Before you make any big purchases for your home, go to the Home Remodeling Portal where you can find information on thousands of products at the click of a mouse, as well as, several informative "6 Things To Know Before You Buy..." articles.
