I write this article with some real specific experience on dealing with contractors and their subs. I have, in the past 30 years, had built 3 homes and renovated probably 10. With each of these projects I learned more and more lessons and with each asked my friends and family just to take a gun and shoot me if I ever even spoke of doing either again. My last experience in having a home built ended in a major cost overrun which taught me the legal lesson of the difference between the words “will” and “should”. You see my iron clad contract which made all of the provisions I requested and guaranteed the finished price stated that the final price “SHOULD NOT EXCEED X $$”. $40,000 later I discovered it should have said, “WILL NOT EXCEED X $$”. The word “will” affirming the agreement while the word “should” infers some sense of a possibility of the price changing and changing it did ending in a final demand by the contractor for the aforementioned $40,000 before I could move into the home. While most home contractors out there are legitimate and do great work, the list of nightmare contractors is long and represents thousands of lost dollars and a myriad of disappointments. To avoid hiring the contractor from hell I offer the following advice:

1. Make plans

Before you begin your process of locating, interviewing, investigating and hiring a contractor you should have a completed set of plans for your project including detailed drawings and specifications. Without these plans in place you are asking a tradesman to bid on a nebulous non specific job and you are asking for trouble. A conscientious contractor will want not only a complete set of blueprints but also a sense of what homeowners want out of a project and what they plan to spend. Once these plans are in place, stick to them. Making changes to plans after work begins could lead to cost overruns and delays.

2. Get recommendations

Start with your friends, family and neighbors. Check with the national associations of the trade that you wish to hire for a list of members in your area, Angie’s List, which is an on going internet site which lists real personal recommendations and warnings in your specific area, and maybe check an individual business with the Better Business Bureau. I hesitate to mention the BBB because this is an organization of paid members which in some cases may also skew their results. In smaller areas you may also talk with a building inspector, who should know which contractors routinely meet code requirements and may be able to give you advice regarding code requirements. Visit your local building supply or hardware store, they know the local contractors and which ones have the best reputations. Although most of the big box stores do have professionals that either they recommend or that they can sell you the services of, remember they are being recommended because of an existing relationship with the store. The store is likely making a profit on your transaction and thus their opinion may be skewed. In some cases you may have recourse back to the store but make sure that is the case and be aware that this arrangement may cause your cost to be higher. I have heard many horror stories about the contractor who was hired through the retailer only to disappoint the customer and satisfaction only coming after considerable effort if at all.

3. Call your prospective Contractors

Now that you have a list of possible contractors, consider that you are an employer interviewing a prospective employee. Make calls to each of your prospects and ask them the questions that you feel are important to you which should include the following: •Do they take on projects of your size? •Are they willing to provide references from suppliers or banks? •Will they give you a list of previous clients? Remember, though, they are not going to give you names of dissatisfied customers so you are going to have to do some of your own research on their work. •How many other projects do they typically have going at the same time? •Do they maintain their own tradesmen or do they have to depend on subcontractors? If they have to use subs you may be put in a position of having to research their reputations as well. Sub contractors can be the weakest link in the chain of getting your project done and are the easiest excuse your contractor can use for a lack of progress or delays on your job. It is important, therefore, that the contractor have a good relationship with his subs and is good with his scheduling of those subs. These answers should give you an idea of the company’s availability, reliability, how much attention they’ll be able to give your project and how smoothly the work will go.

4. Invite them over to see your job

Once you have made these phone calls, pick three or four contractors to show them your proposed project, to obtain an estimate and for further discussion and questions. A contractor should be able to answer your questions satisfactorily and in a manner that puts you at ease. It’s important that you feel comfortable with the contractor you choose, that you communicate well and that you have a sense of trust. Remember this person and their crews will be in your home for hours at a time.

5. Build trust by verifying the facts

Call up former clients to find how their project went and ask if you can see the finished job. Ask if they know of other customers of this contractor so that you can find additional references that didn’t come from the contractor himself. You should ask to see a current job site and see for yourself how the contractor works. Is the job site neat and safe? Are workers courteous and careful with the homeowner’s property and is this homeowner happy, so far, with his results?

6. Demand proof of proper licensing and insurance

Make sure the contractor is licensed to do business in your state and that he has proper general liability and workers-compensation insurance. Learn the requirements in your state and verify that contractor is licensed.

7. Get bids

To compare bids, ask everyone to break down the cost of materials, labor, profit margins and other expenses. Generally materials account for 40 percent of the total cost; the rest covers overhead and the typical profit margin, which is 15 to 20 percent. Don’t let price be your guide. I believe, that as hard as it is to do, you should disregard the lowest bid especially if it is significantly lower than the others. A bid like this can usually point to a desperate contractor or a major mistake in his calculations. Even though you may have the law on your side to enforce this contract you still will be burdened with the legal costs and efforts to win and you may end up with a project left unfinished or poorly completed. These situations may be more frequent as a sign of our current unhealthy economy. Beyond technical competence, comfort should play an equal or greater role in your decision. The single most important factor in choosing a contractor is how well you and he communicate. All things being equal, it’s better to spend more and get someone you’re with whom you are comfortable.

8. Discuss and agree upon a payment schedule

Payment schedules can also speak to a contractor’s financial status and work ethic. If they want half the bid up front, they may have financial problems or be worried that you won’t pay the rest after you’ve seen the work. For large projects, a schedule usually starts with 10 percent at contract signing, three payments of 25 percent evenly spaced over the duration of the project and a check for the final 15 percent when you feel every item on the punch list has been completed. In no circumstances should you exceed an initial payment of 30% as a down payment and even then only upon the delivery and acceptance, by you, of the all of materials.

9. Put it in writing/Obtain a contract

Draw up a contract that details every step of the project: the payment schedule as above; proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation, if a contractor does not have proper workers compensation insurance your home owners insurance or you personally may be held as liable; a start date and projected completion date; specific materials and products to be used; and a requirement that the contractor obtain lien releases (which protect you if he doesn’t pay his bills) from all subcontractors and suppliers. Insisting on a clear contract isn’t mistrust, it’s about insuring a successful project.

10. Pay by check or if possible by credit card

The use of a credit card gives you the leverage to charge back any disputed charges. If paying by check write it out to the contracting company rather than to an individual. Make final payments only when the work is completed to your satisfaction. A reputable contractor will not threaten you or pressure you to sign documents if the job is not finished properly.

Will these steps prevent problems? Yes. Is there still a chance that something will fall between the cracks and you will become the victim of a bad contractor? Yes. So practice vigilance. Be aware of what’s going on with your job and insist that problems be corrected as they happen. Don’t fall into a false sense of security and think that it will all be OK. Remember the first principle of “Murphy’s Law”…. If any thing can go wrong, it will!!!

“Planning to make some changes to your home so you’re considering the services of an exterior window painting contractor? Well, trust only the experts of exterior window painting and exterior door painting such as the reliable general contractor in Wa. Before arriving at a decision, however, here are tips to guide you in choosing the right general contractor in Washington so you obtain the kind of service that you truly deserve. Just like our clothes and the food we serve our family, our home is undoubtedly a big part of us so let the hands that touch it be of people we trust. In choosing the best contractor, you don’t necessarily have to look for the most expensive one. There are contractors that perform an excellent job without hurting our pockets. Don’t let a contractor’s fee be your basis for choosing him for a job you want done in your house. Here are important guidelines to look through when choosing a reliable contractor in town. Seek referrals from friends, relatives and neighbors who’ve dealt with a contractor before. This is the simplest way to start out. Write down all the pieces of information you’ve gathered from them, including the seemingly insignificant observations they have of a contractor’s work. If you have a local contractor referral service in your area, you can ask them for assistance for chances are, they can help you find reliable contractors in your area. Once you have the list of contractors at hand already, you can now start researching about each one. Research about the company’s history, profile, and its years of experience in the industry. Also look for clients’ testimonials on their services. Beware of a contractor that has a history of complaints. Call your state licensing department and ask about the license requirements in your area. Your local municipality can be a good source, contact it to inquire about license, permits, and insurance requirements. You have all the necessary information now. You can start calling the contractors that made it to your list. Take note of your first conversation. Was the contractor courteous and pleasant in answering your call? Did he entertain all your questions and do his answers convince you? Did the contractor set you up for an immediate appointment? This may also be the perfect time to ask them about their company. Are they licensed and insured? Ask when you can start the project. Upon meeting the contractor, orient them with a clear description of the project. Let them know all the possible information including money matters, materials, budget, and the estimated time you expect to see the outcome of the project. Tell them what you expect to have and see in your house to avoid misunderstanding. Be transparent with money matters and make a clear description of the materials to be used in the project. Don’t forget to note the date the project started and when it ended. It’s important to come up with a clear summary of expenses. Even the percentage added to per additional cost should be clearly specified. If the project is underway and you decided you want something changed in a structure or material installed, record all the alterations that take place and make sure this would reflect on the final pricing. After the project, check all the estimates of the contractor against your actual cost. The turn out should be equal. ”

Renovating your home is a large undertaking, and you want it done right. If you have decided to hire a professional contractor for the job, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to protect yourself as well as your most valued investment, your home.

First and foremost, research your state’s legal requirements for contractors regarding insurance, licensing and workers compensation, so that you can eliminate any contractor who does not comply. Visiting the Contractor’s License Reference Site is one way to learn about licensing requirements in your area and find out whether a particular contractor holds an active license.

Asking friends and family for references is usually a good starting point for finding a contractor who will perform quality work. Many contractors and home renovators agree that the best way to research a prospective contractor is to contact past clients, ask detailed questions and if possible, visit one or more work sites to check out the quality of the work. Tom Silva, general contractor at This Old House, shares a couple of other excellent ideas for finding good contractors in his article How to Hire a Contractor. Tim suggests checking with a building inspector to learn whose work is typically up to code or consulting with a local lumberyard about which contractors purchase quality materials and stay current on accounts.

Each contractor who will be quoting your project (typically at least three is advised) should be given the same set of specifications to ensure that your quotes are comparable. Though it may be tempting to automatically hire the contractor with the lowest bid, price is not always the best criteria for deciding which contractor to hire. The contractor you ultimately hire will be spending considerable time in your home, and the work performed will likely impact your home’s value. Selecting a contractor with the skills and professionalism to deliver quality work can help ensure that the effect of your renovations on your home value is a positive one.

Once you have selected your contractor, ensure that every detail of the project is outlined in the contract, including projected start and finish dates, procedures for changes, a payment schedule, labor and material charges, a lien waiver and any specific agreements you have made with the contractor. Do not count on verbal promises alone; even if the contractor has a standard contract for most jobs, provisions may be added to the contract upon agreement between both parties.

Other than being a messy and sometimes backbreaking job, plumbing is not ideally for the layman as it is a skill trade requiring ample knowledge and experience. So whether you are a Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Manhattan, or Long Island homeowner with a related problem, the safest and fastest way to take is hiring among licensed plumbers New York. Plumbing is one of the most essential elements that keep everything in your home as functional. When not properly setup or repaired, you will surely be faced with a huge problem that would affect not only the household but your wallet as well. When damages are spotted, an immediate action is required. So if you want fast and qualified repair, providing the least possibility of the damage recurring, your best bet is working with licensed plumbers NYC. Wanting to save a few dollars is what prompts most homeowners to try and do things themselves or call the number of the card stuck on their windshields claiming they are plumbing contractors offering cheaper prices. When damages like these arise, the urgency of the matter sometimes gets the best of us. But when you really come to think about what you’ll be getting versus the risks you are putting your home and your pocket into are, it’s definitely a lose-lose situation. Doing so, you are getting the job done cheaply but without giving much value to your money and without assurance of expertise in the part of the plumber you hired. Licensed plumbers New York, though come at a higher service price range, can definitely do your budget justice by doing and leaving quality work. Being licensed, you will be assured of expertise and experience to stand whatever plumbing challenges. When selecting among licensed plumbers NYC, there are still things to consider. • While at the task, be ready with the needed phone numbers to call to verify the license of the plumbing contractors, and research if there are no unresolved complaints filed against them. Other than proper state licensing, reputation is another very crucial factor to look into. • Another important tip which also goes well with looking for other contractors is asking for multiple bids of at least three to be able to compare and get a good price. Estimates can be acquired at a low fee or even for free, depending on the company or professional you have contacted. • Rates are calculated differently, be sure to discuss this in details with the licensed plumbing contractor you have in mind. Make sure there are no hidden fees: ask if the rate is hourly or per specific job done, is there an additional fee just for showing up, etc. The cost, in its entirety, should be cleared before you ask him to drive and come into your home. • And to avoid financial difficulties if any accident arises, make sure that the plumber you hire holds a workers’ compensation policy and liability insurance. Finding the right, reputable expert offering a reasonable fee from among the many licensed plumbers New York is not easy. So when you find a plumbing contractor who has finished the job right, make sure to keep his contact details.

One of the most frequently-asked questions on my forum at www. remodelestimates. com is “How do I find the right contractor for my remodeling project?” There are many important steps and considerations in choosing and hiring a contractor for a remodeling project. There should be a lot of research and checking information before making a contractor choice.

Here are the top ten tips I offer to homeowners about finding and hiring the best contractor for a remodeling project.

When you have to choose a contractor for some of the renovation work on your home, how will you tell the difference between a certified professional and a charlatan?
Research and the right questions are what you’ll need to make this important decision. Keep reading to learn how to choose the right contractor and save yourself both time and money.
Where to Find Good Contractors
Before you even begin interviewing potential contractors, you need to find them first. Initially, educate yourself on your proposed project so you have an idea of the expertise that’s going to be needed for your particular job. For example, if your home improvement project involves a lot of plumbing work, then you know to look for a contractor with plumbing experience. Expertise is not transferable from one specialty to another.
When looking for contractors, try asking your friends for referrals, check online customer review sites, ask at your local home hardware store and take a walk through the yellow pages. Call at least three potential contractors to interview and request quotes.
While you’re asking for quotations, give every contractor the same information so your comparison is consistent. And be sure the information your provide is sufficiently complete that they can provide you realistic numbers and time frames.
How to Interview a Contractor
When interviewing a potential contractor, it’s important to ask these questions:
1. Are you licensed in this city/state?
If your potential contractor has a license, get the number and call your local building department’s licensing office to validate it. Also, contact your Better Business Bureau and state Consumer Protection Agency to find out what’s required to obtain a license in your state.
2. Can you provide me with 3 references from jobs done in the last year?
Use references to check your contractor’s work history, reliability and ability to stay on budget and schedule. Don’t be afraid to quiz the references on the specifics of the work they had done and to what level they were satisfied with the work. If there were problems of significance, that is what you want to unearth.
3. What insurance do you have?
Contractors should come to you insured. They should have general liability, workman’s compensation, auto insurance, and property and personal liability. Ask for a copy of your contractor’s insurance because the last thing you want is legal and financial responsibility should an accident take place on your property.
4. How experienced are you?
Find out how long your contractor has been in business. Anything over five years is usually a sign of a reliable, stable business. A work history less than this time period does not mean the person is not qualified or sufficiently experienced for the job. It simply means your risk might be a little higher.
5. Do you have a portfolio?
Most contractors will have before and after photographs of their past work. Look through these to get an idea of the type of work your contractor does and his or her abilities.
6. May I have a detailed estimate?
Ideally, you want an estimate or quote that’s itemized and includes labor, materials, overhead and a schedule. Ask for it in writing so you can easily compare it to estimates you receive from other contractors.

Starting any home improvement project can be a daunting and expensive task. Like any type of project the “right” people make the difference for a successful conclusion. It will save money and time. Even if it is a small project or repair, care should be taken when selecting the “right” contractor or home improvement company.

Finding the right contractor for your home improvement project.

It’s finally time to tackle that big home improvement project you’ve always wanted to do. Or, you might have waited so long, now you need to do the project. Which leads to your first question – “Where do I start?”

Well, the truth is. . . some jobs are simply too big, too complicated, or require too much time to handle on your own. Whether it’s remodeling a kitchen, installing gutters, or electrical rewiring for your business – you’ll likely need an expert.

A contractor, or subcontractor, can be your ‘knight in shining armor’ when it comes to completing your project. But, wait. . . you’ve heard so many horror stories connected with “shady contractors” that you’re starting to re-think this re-model. But statistics show that the huge majority of contractors out there are honest, hard-working professionals. Most people are happy with any improvement project they undertake.

“Fine,” you say. “How can I protect myself and make sure I find a great contractor?” I’m glad you asked. Here are some standard tips you can follow to make sure your repair, remodel, or installation goes well:

“Wait a minute!” you protest, “That sounds like a lot of work!” Sure it does. Because it is a lot of work. If you think a renovation or remodeling job is expensive, imagine having to pay for it twice! Do your homework and you’ll avoid being a horror story.

“Are there any warning signs of a bad contractor?” you ask. Boy, you sure do ask a lot of questions. And that’s good. Always ask a lot of questions. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to handle the unexpected.

Okay, these are signs a contractor might not be your best choice:

Okay. Now that you know about the warning sign. And here are some signs you may have found a really good contractor:

“Okay, am I ready?” Yes, now you’re ready to hire a professional to help get your home or business improvement project off the ground. One of the best ways to protect yourself is the act of due diligence. Webster’s defines due diligence as: “The care that a prudent person might be expected to exercise in the examination and evaluation of risks affecting a business transaction. ” In simplified terms – Do your homework. And you’ll do just fine.

Have fun and make the most out of your experience. Don’t forget to return to www. ConstructionDeal. com when it’s time for your next residential or commercial improvement, repair, or remodeling job. And send us  your “Before and After” pictures!