How to Deal With Contractors

Not everyone is aware of how to deal with contractors. Imagine that your Home Improvement Loan has been granted. What do you do next? Do you rush out and find the first available contractor and offer them your cash? Not a good move.

Whether you're planning an addition for a growing family or simply getting new double-glazed windows, finding a competent and reliable contractor is the first step to a successful and satisfying home improvement project. Take your time to consider all your options. Do not rush into any agreement that you may later regret.

Your home may be your most valuable financial asset. That's why it's important to be cautious when you hire someone to work on it. Home improvement contractors often advertise in newspapers or the Yellow Pages. However, don't consider an advert to be an indication of the quality of a contractor's work. Your best bet is to find a contractor that has been used successfully by friends, family or colleagues. Get written estimates from several firms. Don't automatically choose the lowest bidder.

Above all, be wary of contractors who will:

solicit door-to-door

offer you discounts for finding other customers

just happens to have materials left over from a previous job

only accept cash payments

does not list a business number in the local telephone directory

pressure you for an immediate decision

offer exceptionally long guarantees

ask you to pay for the entire job up-front

Interview each contractor and ask:

How long have you been in business?

How many projects like mine have you completed?

Will my project require a permit?

May I have a list of references?

Will you be using subcontractors on this project?

What types of insurance do you carry?

Talk with some of the contractor's former customers and ask:

Can I visit your home to see the completed job?

Were you satisfied with the project?

Was it completed on time?

Did workers show up on time?

Did they clean up after finishing the job?

Would you recommend the contractor?

Would you use the contractor again?

You should not start any project without having a contract in place. A contract spells out the, who, what, where, when and cost of your project. The agreement should be clear, concise and complete. Before you sign a contract, make sure it contains:

The contractor's name, address, phone nubmer

The payment schedule for the contractor

An estimated start and completion date

How change orders will be handled

A detailed list of all materials

Warranties covering materials and workmanship

What the contractor will and will not do

Keep all paperwork related to your project in one place. This includes copies of the contract, change orders and correspondence with your home improvement professionals. You also might want to take photographs as the job progresses. These records are especially important if you have problems with your project - during or after construction.

Before you sign off and make the final payment check that:

All work meets the standards spelled out in the contract.

You have written warranties for materials and workmanship.

The job site has been cleaned up and cleared of excess materials, tools and equipment.

You have inspected and approved the completed work.

You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact:

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

---

Styles And Varieties Of Locking Mailboxes For Sale

Locking mailboxes made from durable, weatherproof materials are highly desirable... Read More

The Truth About Honda Pressure Washers

"What they don't tell you about Honda Pressure Washers"I recently... Read More

Dual Pane Window Glass Repair

For the past few weeks, I have been explaining how... Read More

Luxurious Whirlpool Baths Aren?t Just for the Rich and Famous

A Jacuzzi has been popular since the 40's. We stopped... Read More

Home Improvement for The Ladies!

Your Own Homes Improvement Outline(One for the Ladies)Let me begin... Read More

Advice on Waterproofing Your Deck

Even if you undertook the task of building your own... Read More

How To Replace The Rollers On Your Patio Door

Have you noticed your patio door is getting harder and... Read More

How to Replace the Rollers on Your Patio Sliding Glass Glass Door

Hiring a professional to replace your rollers could cost you... Read More

Tips for Choosing Log Furniture

If you just love that rustic look, and are finally... Read More

Designing With Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are suited to both casual and formal environments;... Read More

Lighting and Your Emotions (Part One)

Do you feel unhappy in your home and you don't... Read More

Popular Trends in Home Technology

As a former home automation installer and a former manufactures... Read More

Finding The Right Window Treatment In Los Angeles And Chicago

Some of the most unique and individual décor consultants can... Read More

Installing Retrofit and Replacement Vinyl Windows

In previous articles i explained to you how to determine... Read More

Basement Dehumidifiers

Basements are the most common location for dehumidifiers. Because of... Read More

Cheap Interior Design Ideas

Cheap interior design ideas come in many forms these days.... Read More

Router Bits Basics

A router bit is a tool for woodworking giving a... Read More

Solar Energy Advantages Disadvantages

Many of us know that solar energy is a good... Read More

How To Choose The Perfect Granite Work Surface

My Grandmother used to say to me "Nothing cheap is... Read More

Warm Up the Night! Patio Heaters and Fire Pits

In some areas right now, the weather is ideal for... Read More

Ceiling Fans ? That Dont Require The Ceiling

The trend in remodeling homes is to expand the outdoor... Read More

Lighter Fluid: The Best Label and Scuff Mark Remover

The first time my husband saw me scrubbing the black... Read More

An Overview of Aluminium, Plastic and Timber Conservatories

Conservatories remain a popular accoutrement and attachment to homes throughout... Read More

Strapping a Ceiling

Prior to hanging sheetrock to ceiling joists it is important... Read More

Learning Interior Design

Learning interior design can be a simple or complicated task... Read More

Electrical Savings System; Save up to 40% on Your Electric Bill Every Month

Once a month there's an electric bill coming in the... Read More

Add A Room To Your Home With A Patio Awning

Do you need a patio awning for your lovely patio... Read More

Transform Your Home with Decorative Country Lighting

As we become more of a home-based society, many more... Read More

Remove Ink Stains From Carpet

One of the best solvents you can use to remove... Read More

Planning Permission Tips Uk - How To Select A Property to Extend or Develop

Many people purchasing a property for their main home actually... Read More

Would You Steel Your Household Appliances

Would you steel your appliances? That is a question many... Read More

Bedding is Fashion for the Bed

Ladies, we spend a lot of time in the morning... Read More

Ten Things You May Not Know About Selecting Hardwood Flooring

1) Red Oak is not the only choiceIf you want... Read More