Choosing the right Contractor is the most important aspect of any home construction project. You must take your time and do your research to find a good qualified contractor if you want excellent quality at a fair price. When we built our new home we spent many hours finding the best contractors for each aspect of building our new home. We developed a method that served us well and it is as follows:
Determine exactly what you want done and write it down. This may sound a little basic at first blush, but it is so important. Remember what is not well defined is easily manipulated. If it is not in writing, it can be disputed. You do two things when you define your project in detail, and in writing. You find any missing aspects that you may have overlooked and you have good definition and expectations for your contractor.
Get three (3) bids for each trade that you will hire. Never rely on one bid, and always meet the contractor face to face at the site where the work is to be done. If you are uncomfortable with the contractor when they are bidding the job how is it going to be when the two of you have to work out the details of your project. Remember cheaper is not always better!
Ask each contractor for references and make sure they are bonded and insured. Check their references and call the BBB (Better Business Bureau) in your area to see if they have any outstanding complaints.
Make sure they don't sub the work out to a contractor that is not insured or bonded. It is very common for a contract company to sub out work to contractors that are not insured and bonded. Another danger of the contractor subbing work out is if they don't pay their sub, the sub can put a mechanics lien on your house and you will have to pay even if you have already paid the contractor.
Set a definite timeframe for the work to begin and for completion and get it in writing. Nothing is worse than to have a project drag on not knowing when they are going to show up and finish.
Never, ever pay for the entire project in advance. If you do the contractor has no incentive to finish or even start. When you no longer have the money you are no longer in control! It is customary with most contractors that you pay a portion up front. On a large project hold back as much money as you can until the end. The incentive to finish must be motivated by the cash at the end of the project.
For more information on finding and qualifying contractors visit www.Build-YourOwn-Home.com
George Stevens is the popular author of the Website http://www.Build-YourOwn-Home.com teaching you how to build your own home.
Hardwood Floors are beautiful to look at and expensive to... Read More
The classic way for homeowners to increase the value of... Read More
These days shower doors come in a wide variety of... Read More
A sauna has been used throughout history in every part... Read More
When most people think about an air conditioner filter, it... Read More
Steel building kits are a comprehensive set of all the... Read More
Ready to start your first serious DIY project? Read through... Read More
Customizable metal pegboard is set to revolutionise utensil storage. For... Read More
Functionality and aesthetics are the two main objectives of any... Read More
Putting the right comforter on your bed can make the... Read More
The word "master" is an antiquated term that suggests control,... Read More
As we become more of a home-based society, many more... Read More
One of the simplest ways to start planning your bathroom... Read More
Many items a person can add to the kitchen are... Read More
Six years ago, I had not yet turned on a... Read More
Are you considering using renewable energy resources to heat water... Read More
"What they don't tell you about Honda Pressure Washers"I recently... Read More
Selection of bedstead is also an important thing as selection... Read More
Pergo flooring was invented more than 75 years ago, and... Read More
So you're building the bath of your dreams but find... Read More
The first question is, what is a conservatory?There is no... Read More
Hand hooked rugs are a great way to add splendor... Read More
Hygienic air is essential to human life, and in this... Read More
Prior to hanging sheetrock to ceiling joists it is important... Read More
Has your house had a check up yet?Home inspection is... Read More
One of the first steps in building a log home... Read More
There are some important things to consider when choosing blinds... Read More
The holiday season is now in full swing & for... Read More
When a family decides to finish a basement space, there... Read More
Tactics of Appealing to the DOE - There will be... Read More
Fans extending from the ceiling have been around for centuries... Read More
If you are planning a home makeover or remodeling project,... Read More
Conservatories remain a popular accoutrement and attachment to homes throughout... Read More
When one is looking into marketing for the home builder,... Read More
I broke my promise to myself and stripped wallpaper again.... Read More
Choosing a color scheme can be a nerve-wracking business. For... Read More
The proper lighting in a room can make or break... Read More
Water is a key ingredient in a healthy diet and... Read More
Prior to hanging sheetrock to ceiling joists it is important... Read More
It's easy to get overwhelmed trying to figure out just... Read More
The cordless impact wrench is quickly gaining in popularity among... Read More
You've bought a house, a fixer-upper you can make some... Read More
The bathroom in your home is the one room that... Read More
Microwave convection ovens have both microwave and convection facilities. Microwave... Read More
A staple of healthy outdoor living, hot tubs equals to... Read More
If you want to add extra spark to rooms, consider... Read More
Above ground pools are beloved by many and have gained... Read More
Look no further for long lasting perfumes. House of Rose... Read More
When you think about building your new home consider your... Read More
In our past articles I talked about all the steps... Read More
How many of you have experienced this situation? As the... Read More
If you're planning to show your home mainly during daylight... Read More
If the sliding glass doors in your home are more... Read More
So you just purchased a wood lathe but do not... Read More
A bathroom designs idea -- can I really design my... Read More
This report is about taking a house and restoring it... Read More
In previous articles i explained to you how to determine... Read More
Colors contain underlying psychological meanings and evoke particular feelings when... Read More
Whether you want to install a new bathroom or make... Read More
Buying a home is usually a stressful experience. So much... Read More
Securing your property is one of the growing domestic issues... Read More
Most people think building their own home involves vast knowledge... Read More
Steel is gaining in popularity as a building material due... Read More
Refinishing your hardwood floors yourself can be time consuming and... Read More
Bathtubs have become an important necessity of our daily life... Read More
Many of us watch TV shows and see the miraculous... Read More
Home Improvement |