Decorating Home Improvement Projects that Don’t Need Big Budget
You wouldn’t pick the low bidder to do plastic surgery on you, so why pick a fly-by-night operator to give your home a facelift?
Picking a home improvement contractor is a lot like picking a roommate, you’re going to have to live with them for a while, so you had better pick someone you can get along with and trust. Here’s a few pointers:
Know what you want going in: If you already know exactly what you want and can communicate that to a home improvement contractor, that allows the contractor to tell you how he or she will complete your project.
If the home improvement contractor sounds knowledgeable about your specific requirements – knows how to install hardwood floors, is familiar with the type of window frames you want, etc. – it’s a good bet that he or she is a reliable professional. Conversely, if a home improvement contractor gives you the deer in headlights look when you discuss the advantages of a floating floor, you might want consider going with someone else.
Do further research: The more you know about the project you want to undertake, the better you’ll be able to direct your home improvement contractor. Also, knowing what’s up will also make it harder for your home improvement contractor to pad the bill with unnecessary additions or outrageous labor costs. Not that any of them would do that, of course.
Don’t believe the advertising: Remember, contractors pay for all those flashy ads and television spots. If you want to find out a home improvement contractor’s real value, ask for references and a portfolio.
Papers please: Most states have laws requiring home improvement contractors to be licensed and bonded. Ask to see your home improvement contractor’s credentials and also check your contractor’s certificate of insurance. Contractors in most states are required by law to carry worker’s compensation, property damage and personal liability insurance.
Ask questions: Word of mouth is usually the best reference when it comes to contractors. Talk to friends who have recently had work done and also ask other professionals like your plumber or landscaper who they would recommend. Also check with local building inspectors and other public officials involved in construction.
Get legal: Check with your local district attorney’s office, the Better Business Bureau, or small claims court to see if any your potential home improvement contractor is facing any pending litigation. In most jurisdictions, court records are available to the public, and you should be able to see if any judgments have been entered against the contractor for incomplete or shoddy workmanship or shady business practices.
Picking the right home improvement contractor is key to the success of your project. Be informed and be aware and you’ll ensure that you get a professional that’ll do your home right.
Watch the video related to home improvement contractors
Discusses the benefits of finding a home improvement contractor in the RESNET Contractor Directory at www.resnet.us These contractors are trained in energy efficiency, follow the RESNET Code of Ethics and provide consumers peace of mind with RESNET’s Complaint Resolution Process. They work directly with energy auditors to ensure that the job meets energy efficiency standards. RESNET is the Residential Energy Services Network, a national standards-making organization for the energy efficiency industry, recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ENERGYSTAR, and the US Mortgage Association. FIND CONTRACTORS: www.resnet.us
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Tags: construction advice, decorating home improvement, e-book, find contractor, hire contractor book, hiring contractors, insight scoop, revealed, save money, secrets, simplified
I have had the EXACT same problem! It is sooooo frustrating. I can only guess that it's because there is so much work out there, and if they feel like the job is going to be small, or if a bigger job comes along, they don't want to waste their time.
As a contractor, I try to give my customers a quality job at a competitive price. When they want to cut the price, I typically ask them what portion of the requested work that they want to delete from the bid. I don't try to provide the cheapest price because that entails using the cheapest craftsmen, and the cheapest craftsmen are cheap for a reason. So, no, I don't really negotiate my prices and don't spend much time with them if I sense that type of attitude. There's too much work out there to waste my time being unrealistic.
Yes of course, I write in the contract "Any unforeseen problems that could not be observed during proposal process that may incur additional costs is to be agreed upon by home owner and contractor prior to any further work to be completed or contract may be voided by contractor." I have the home owner initial this section.
None that I am aware of. There are sites for contractors such as Mike Holt's electrical forums, and Terry Love's plumbing forums, but nothing that puts contractors directly in touch with potential clients (as far as I know). There are MANY contractor forums available, many of which I visit, but I have yet to see one dedicated such as you want. That does NOT mean that people don't *hook up* on these forums, but they are not designed specifically for that. Try searching for whatever trade type you are looking for and find a forum for that trade. Then you can ask the folks that visit it for help finding someone in your particular area. I've seen it work quite well, but in many instances it does take a little time to find just the right person who is nearby.
Al
Better you must have sufficient work experience
in technical skills like carpetory,drughtsmanship,
electrical,electronics,mechanical and civil etc.you
can pass easily.
They're seldom prepared for anything.
They usually have an unreasonably low budget, don't appreciate all that needs to be done, and expect that you've got nothing else to do but their job.
It helps to be extremely patient, teach them a little about the entire process, and exercise empathy when they exhibit "sticker shock."
That should be covered in the contract.
The following will have the info you seek.
For Residential Maintenance, Alteration and Contractors' examination information contact the Psychological Service, Inc. [PSI] at (800) 733-9267.
http://www.nysegov.com/citGuide.cfm?superCat=28