Most homeowners would like to make every repair or renovation a house requires. Searching for a dependable contractor ranks as one of the major aggravations of home ownership. The real problems come when homeowners try to get a bargain. If you choose your contractor simply by taking the lowest bid, you become a conspirator when the project never gets finished, or when you hate the way it turns out.
When choosing a contractor I would recommend beginning the process by throwing out the low bid, however tempting as it may seem. Advertising can be very deceiving. I usually take the middle bid, and sometimes even the top bid. I know that sounds self-serving coming from a contractor, but the best doctors and lawyers in town are probably the most expensive - and there's a reason for that. Price alone can't be the deciding factor: Take a look at the credentials of the person you're about to hire.
This can be awkward, but very vital. Ask for examples of projects that you are considering, and go see them. Ask the homeowner if he or she was happy with the contractor, did the person show up in a reasonable manner and were problems solved promptly? Were phone calls returned?
A lack of specificity in a contract can let the contractor use cheaper materials and cut corners. The biggest risk in any project is a contractor who takes the money but fails to complete the job. To further protect your-self, agree in advance on a specific payment schedule.
Successful projects involve a measure of trust between the homeowner and the contractor. You're the employer, after all, and you have a right to ask questions and understand what's going on. You will be involved with these people in the most intimate of settings - your home. Start the relationship right. Get to know them, and ask your-self, do I trust this person? I know that sounds awkward, but you're not just buying a project - you're also buying the person who's building it!
When choosing a contractor I would recommend beginning the process by throwing out the low bid, however tempting as it may seem. Advertising can be very deceiving. I usually take the middle bid, and sometimes even the top bid. I know that sounds self-serving coming from a contractor, but the best doctors and lawyers in town are probably the most expensive - and there's a reason for that. Price alone can't be the deciding factor: Take a look at the credentials of the person you're about to hire.
This can be awkward, but very vital. Ask for examples of projects that you are considering, and go see them. Ask the homeowner if he or she was happy with the contractor, did the person show up in a reasonable manner and were problems solved promptly? Were phone calls returned?
A lack of specificity in a contract can let the contractor use cheaper materials and cut corners. The biggest risk in any project is a contractor who takes the money but fails to complete the job. To further protect your-self, agree in advance on a specific payment schedule.
Successful projects involve a measure of trust between the homeowner and the contractor. You're the employer, after all, and you have a right to ask questions and understand what's going on. You will be involved with these people in the most intimate of settings - your home. Start the relationship right. Get to know them, and ask your-self, do I trust this person? I know that sounds awkward, but you're not just buying a project - you're also buying the person who's building it!