|
This
is the year you're going all out. You're going to build a
deck, add a
porch, erect a
gazebo or lay a
patio. You've done the research. It's well within your capability and
you're looking forward to the satisfaction of creating a structure of
beauty.
Or not.
Yes -- you'd like to proceed with an
outdoor structure but for you, it isn't a do-it-yourself project. How can
you find the right person to do it for you? Here are 10 tips for hiring and
working with a contractor.
1. Plan
your project carefully. Clip pictures, make sketches, write a description. This
will help you accurately convey to the contractor what you want the finished
product to be.
2. Make a
list of contractors. Ask your neighbors or friends for the names of reputable
tradesmen. Contact material suppliers -- lumberyards, for example -- and ask for
recommendations.
3. Get at
least three written bids for the project, but don't give in to the temptation to
automatically accept the lowest bid. A higher bid may be worth the price in
better materials, workmanship and reliability. If you get a very low bid, the
contractor may have made a mistake or forgotten to bid on everything you wanted.
If they have deliberately low-bid, they may use cheaper materials or take
shortcuts to make a profit.
4. Many
states and provinces require registration and/or licensing. For the USA,
www.nationalcontractors.com provides a starting point for your state and
type of construction. Click on Verify Contractors License. If licenses are
required in your jurisdiction, be certain to ask to see your contractor's
licenses and be sure that it's not expired.
5. Ask
for references and then check them out. Look at the projects and ask the
previous clients if they are satisfied with the quality of work done, if it was
started and completed on schedule and if it is complete.
Continue
reading...
|