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.

---

Choosing Window Frames

There are three main types of material used to manufacture... Read More

What Are Circuit Breakers?

Circuit Breakers are devices that stop the electrical current of... Read More

Improving Your Bottom Line Through Vastu

The design of your office and home has a great... Read More

The Benefits of Small Dehumidifiers

So it's too humid in your 10' X 10' bedroom.... Read More

Your Home is Your Symphony

"Dr. Carl Sagan once wrote, "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting... Read More

Home Improvement Projects That Really Pay Off

Many of us watch TV shows and see the miraculous... Read More

Planning Permision Tips UK - 6 Common Design Mistakes When Extending a Residential Property

Don't you just love the design of some of these... Read More

The Dangers of Pesticides and the EPAs Harrowing Plan to Test Them on Kids

Pesticides are a ubiquitous toxin in our environment. We spray... Read More

Eclectic Patio Furniture Shows Your Style

Your home's interior is exquisitely decorated in your favorite style;... Read More

Building a Home Addition

Besides providing your home with more living space, a home... Read More

Bathroom Wall Cabinets ? Create Extra Space with a Touch of Style!

Is your bathroom looking cluttered? How about fitting new bathroom... Read More

Strongly Scented Candles: Use your mouth, nose and eyes to tell

Triple scented, heavily scented, strongly scented - these are all... Read More

Laminate Flooring is Built for the Twenty First Century

The tradition of hardwood floors dates back hundreds of years,... Read More

Mistakes?

MISTAKES.Don't worry about making mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. Why should... Read More

Paving The Way For Californias Asphalt Consumers

The California asphalt paving industry is ever-changing and in order... Read More

How To Artify Your Home

Would you like to make your house feel more like... Read More

Five Ways to Create a Healthy Home

Have you ever thought of your home as being healthy... Read More

Choosing a Home Builder

So you've decided to build a new home. Like many... Read More

How to Get the Most Out of Your Home Theater ? Without Spending a Fortune

So you've scraped and saved, now you've finally gotten together... Read More

Daydreaming About Your Home Makeover Projects

Most of us enjoy daydreaming about our perfect home. Do... Read More

Security in Todays World

There are many things in life that are worth protecting.... Read More

Unfinished Furniture - Finish It Yourself!

Unfinished furniture has started to become extremely popular in the... Read More

Remove Carpet Stains - The How To

Your short lesson on how to remove carpet stains: act... Read More

Hot Tub Heaven

What will your next home improvement project be? Will it... Read More

Removing Your Old Wood Double Hung Windows

Last week I told you how to measure your wood... Read More

Brighten Up Your Shelves With Picture Frames

Would you like to add a personal touch to your... Read More

Single Pane Window Glass Repair in an Aluminum Frame

Let's suppose you still have those old aluminum single pane... Read More

An Affordable Shortcut To Designing Your Dream Home

You have likely been making mental notes for years. Every... Read More

Why You Should Get A Patio Awning

In these days of climate change, the UK summer is... Read More

How to Install a New Toilet in 5 Easy Steps

If your toilet is old and in need of repairs,... 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

Planning Your Replacement Windows Installation

Windows are the eyes of a home. From inside, you... Read More

Which Lamp Should I Choose?

With all the lighting choices out there, you may want... Read More