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.

---

Old House Remodeling: Removing Old Tile and Glue

When you live in old house like I do, remodeling... Read More

Patios: The New Trend in Home Remodels

In years past a patio was sort of a throw... Read More

Remove Carpet Stains - The How To

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

Kitchen Magic

It's amazing -- some people manage to get a complete... Read More

Fire Hazard Alert - Is Your Dryer Ready to Ignite

In recent years there has been many stories about dryers... Read More

Thinking of Remodeling Your Kitchen?

If you like to cook, or even if you just... Read More

Hammocks Create a Stress Free Zone

Stress is all around us, from the office to the... Read More

Poster, Print or Painting - Where Are You Going To Put It?

If you are redesigning or decorating a room, or house,... Read More

Be Cool and Comfortable While Saving Money

The cost of energy is on the rise, so if... Read More

Corrugated Roofing Materials Used for Roofing Any Structure

The roof is a very essential element of the house,... Read More

Is YOUR Home A Safe Home?

Do you or one of your family members suffer from... Read More

Light Up Your Kitchen with the Right Lighting!

The proper lighting in a room can make or break... Read More

Interior Design For Couples

Interior design for couples is one of the hottest, most... Read More

Decorating Ideas to Make Your Living Room more Livable

Above all else, the furniture in the living-room should make... Read More

Chimney Cap Checklist: Four Quick Ways to Evaluate Your Existing Chimney Cap

While you are cleaning leaves out of your home's gutters,... Read More

Log Homes - Finding the Perfect Log Home Plan

One of the first steps in building a log home... Read More

How Stained Glass Can Add Elegance To Your Home

If there is one way to throw a new light... Read More

Save Money with a Solar Pool Heater & Cover

Heat your pool with a Solar Pool Heater and save... Read More

Add Value to Your House - Interior Remodelling

Interior remodeling can have an amazing impact on the look... Read More

Electric Radiant Floor Heating

Electric radiant floor heating systems are heating systems designed for... Read More

Make Your Hardwood Floors Shine

You have just installed hardwood flooring in your home. Now... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Two Story Side Extensions - The Common Mistakes

Probably the most common type of residential extension is the... Read More

Air Sanders: Forget Electric, Go Air!

An air sander is a common air tool often overlooked... Read More

Use Air Filters and Common Sense for Allergy Relief

Do you suffer from allergies or asthma? If you are... Read More

Microwave Convection Ovens - Double Benefits

Microwave convection ovens have both microwave and convection facilities. Microwave... Read More

The Right Shower Curtain For Your Bathroom!

A shower curtain can add the perfect touch to any... Read More

Professional Asphalt Paving Contractors In California

Choosing an asphalt paving contractor can be a major event... Read More

How to Collect Physical Mold Growth Samples for Low-Cost Mold Laboratory Identification of Mold Spec

How to Collect Physical Mold Growth Samples for Low-Cost Mold... Read More

Deck Building Ledger - The Secrets to Successful Deck Construction

The Deck Building Ledger holds all the secrets to successful... Read More

Baking Soda for Cleaning

Baking soda is a common, inexpensive household item that can... Read More

The Joy Of A Patio Awning

Some people will dream of the perfect patio. They dream... Read More

Spring Home Projects in Northern New England

As I sit on a plane in route from Chicago... Read More

5 Steps for Creating a Garage You Can Love ? and Use

A major US corporation recently launched a new line of... Read More