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Remodeling to do list.
- Get more than one bid before
deciding on a company to perform the work.
- Make sure the contractor / remodeler
is licensed and / or registered with the state or a local building
association.
- does the company carry both
workman's compensation and general liability insurance?
- Have they done similar work in your
area? Ask to look at projects and talk to former customers.
- Is the contractor a member of any
professional associations? (such as NAHB, NARI, Etc.)
- does the contractor have
certification?
- does the pro have any outstanding
civil judgments against him/her?
- Is the contractor registered with
the Better Business Bureau? Check their record for complaints.
- Check to see how long the company
has been in business.
Ten years or more is safer than six months.
- Has the company ever received an
award for good craftsmanship, service or leadership?
- does the company offer a written
warranty on work performed?
- Read all contracts carefully.
If something's unclear, ask and wait for a satisfactory answer.
- Make sure the contract is complete
with all the necessary clauses covering the consumer.
- Make Sure the contract has a payment
schedule with an agreed upon start and completion date.
- Make sure the contract has a
detailed listing of the work to be completed.
- The contract should also have a
clause indicating the remodeler will remove all debris from the
jobsite.
- Ask about the contractors
responsibility to subcontractors.
- Check with local building & zoning
authorities to determine which permits you will need to begin the
project.
- Do Not sign a completion form if you
are not satisfied with the work done on your home. It has to be done
in accordance with what's on the contract.
- Never pay for an entire job in
advance.
- Never pay in cash.
- Don't Make price your leading
criteria for a project. Consider all other factors first.
- Don's let a contractor tell you he's
always done contracts a certain way.
- Reputable pros can alter contracts
to make sure a customer is comfortable.
- If the contractor balks, you should
walk.
- Don't let a smooth talking
salesperson talk you into signing something prematurely.
- Proceed slowly and carefully.
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