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By Matt Shupe
When it comes to home repairs or improvements, many people
find
themselves at a loss because they are either unable to
complete
the needed repairs or they simply do not have the time. In
either situation, the best thing to do is to hire a
professional contractor. But, what qualities should one look
for in a contractor and how can you be sure that he/she will
be
the best person for the job? These are common questions and
should be answered prior to hiring a professional contractor.
Below are 9 tips that will help guide you through the process
of selecting the best man, or woman, for the job.
1) Before hiring a contractor, find out how long they have
been
in business. It’s best to look for an established company and
make sure to check out their reputation with the local Better
Business Bureau for any outstanding or unresolved complaints.
2) Always make sure that a contractor is licensed to work in
the state in which the work is to be done. The best way to
find
out about your state’s licensing procedure is to contact your
local building department and/or consumer protection agency.
If
your state requires that a contractor be licensed, always ask
to
see a contractor’s license prior to hiring him/her for the
job.
3) When considering potential contractors, ask for a list of
recently completed projects that are similar to the one you
are
in need of help with. Hiring a contractor that is experienced
in
projects similar to yours will help to ensure that all goes
smoothly and that the job will be done correctly.
4) Be sure to ask your contractor, prior to the commencement
of
work, whether or not the job will require any type of permit.
All permits must be obtained before the actual work begins,
when required, or the homeowner may face a fine. It is best to
discuss who will be responsible for obtaining permits, either
you or the contractor, in the beginning.
5) Always ask for the name of the individual who will be in
charge of the project, often called a supervisor, and the
names
of those who will be working on the construction crew.
6) Once you are familiar with the supervisor, ask him/her
about
their crew. You will need to know whether or not they are
trustworthy and make the decision as to whether you want them
working on/in your home. Will they need keys? If so, you need
to know that they are honest and can be trusted near your
family and/or children.
7) Every professional contractor should carry a certain amount
of insurance coverage, including personal liability, property
damage and worker’s compensation. You will need to request
copies of all insurance certificates and confirm that they are
current before work begins. Do not do business with a
contractor who cannot provide this documentation as this may
result in your being held liable for any injuries and/or
damages that occur during the project.
8) Always check with the contractor’s references before
deciding to hire him/her for your project. This is important
for all of the obvious reasons and will give you an idea as to
their work ethics and end results.
9) When you and your contractor come to an agreement on
payment
terms, get everything in writing and have the agreement signed
and notarized. All parties involved should have a copy of the
agreement for future reference.
About The Author: The author is a regular contributor to
www.contractoroptions.com where more building, home
repair and contractor information is available.
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