subject: Tips When In Search For A Renovation Contractor - Do's And Don'ts [print this page] A house, how matter how taken care of, would need some renovation and repair after a while. A simple paint coating would not suffice. If you are a handy man and would want to do-it-yourself, then you can do so but when things go beyond your comfort zone, never attempt. It is time to look for a repair and renovation contractor.
Finding the right contractor would involve some kind of herculean task. You do not just pick anyone found in the yellow pages. You have to establish the integrity, honesty and workmanship of the contracting firm. Here are some tips you might find useful.
The Do's and some don'ts
*Make a list of from where you can choose your contractor. The internet can be helpful so click on the websites of different contractors and read the reviews, ratings and feedbacks about their performance. You can ask for referrals from friends, relatives and even from your local home center. The later surely knows of some and could give you names for your list.
*Find previous projects of the contractor. Making an ocular inspection will be the best thing to know about the character of the contractor, especially if the previous project is your friend's. You can get honest opinion and a first-hand evaluation of the job.
*Check on the licenses and permits. Contracting firms have architects and engineers and these people should be holding current professional licenses. Look also into the legitimacy of the firm. Does it have the proper permit to conduct business of construction?
*Talk to different contractors. Ask for their individual estimates. Then you can compare their price quotes. Do not go for a contractor just because he is the lowest bidder; evaluate his projects. If the quotation is way, way below the others, then this is doubtful. It is time to slash him from your list.
*Have your contract in writing, do not go for verbal contracts. Read the specifications in the contract especially in the staggered payments which usually is based on the percentage of job completion. Do not pay a too high upfront partial payment. Inspect every phase of completion especially when it is time for payment. Do not be afraid to ask questions and point out construction jobs that deviated from your original contract. Don't pay the final payment unless you really are happy with the job and that everything is in order. Neither should you pay additional payment for jobs not specified in your written contract. If there are changes, mutually consented, be sure to amend the contract and have the amended portion duly initialed or signed.
With these tips, you can start hunting for a contractor that will take charge of the renovation of your house. Be sure you have picked the right one - not just because of his low price quotation but more on his experience, trustworthiness, honesty and workmanship.
