Most contractors that are licensed or registered are honest and stand by their work. However, unfortunately, there are some deceitful people that may try to use you due to the high demand for the services needed in the wake of a disaster. They may act as reliable contractors, demand a large deposit, then never be heard from again. This is only one of many schemes people will use during your time of devastation and confusion. Here are some helpful tips to use as you set out to hire a contractor and save during the rebuilding of your home.
1. Consult with your family and friends - There is a chance that a contractor will be highly recommended. The contractor did an excellent service for them and they are highly satisfied. Check with a local lumberyard. Contractors are seen often and the lumberyard knows which ones purchase quality materials and pay on time. Get the names of quite a few and start a list.
2. Interview the contractors by phone first - Asking them questions will help you decide who is reliable, available, and how much attention they can give your home. Ask if they are willing to provide you with references from suppliers and banks, a list of prior clients, and how many jobs they have going at one time. Mark any off your list that did not satisfy you with the answers they provided.
3. Meet them in person - Get estimates. Ask further questions. Get to know them. You should feel at ease with the person you are going to spending alot of time with at your home. You should be able to communicate well with each other. Remember to ask if they have worker's compensation or general liability insurance to cover themselves in case of injury on the job or damages the contractor may cause to your home while repairing. Eliminate any off the list that you are uncomfortable with.
4. Call former clients - Ask if you may see the work the contractor did in their homes. Find out how the work went, whether it went smoothly and in a timely manner. If at all possible, visit a site where a job is currently being performed so that you may see for yourself how the contractor actually works. If you are not completely satisfied with any of the contractors, take them off your list.
5. Get written bids or estimates - Make sure you get everyone to break down the cost of materials, labor, and other expenses. Do not go with the lowest bid just to save money. You may not end up saving in the long run. A good contractor will ask for a set of blueprints and ask what you want to have done and how much you plan to spend on the repairs at hand. Usually materials account for approximately 40% of the total cost.
6. Check the contractors' history - Before you decide which contractor to accept call the Better Business Bureau or the licensing/registration agency in your area to find out of any complaints have been filed. By now you should have your list marked down to just one contractor - the one you will trust to rebuild your home.
7. Draw up a contract - Get everything in writing. This should go into major detail, including the start-up date, estimated completion date, whether you or the contractor will purchase the materials and supplies needed, payment schedule, and a copy of their worker's compensation payments and liability insurance. Also ask the contractor to obtain lien releases to insure you from having to pay the subcontractors and suppliers if the contractor does not pay his bills. If the repairs are going to be large ones, have a lawyer review the contract. Any changes made on the contract during the process of rebuilding will increase the price and prolong the completion of the job.
Should you decide to do the purchasing of all the materials and supplies needed...you can save an astronomical amount of money that you can put back in your pocket. This savings could pay for the replacement of other items or possessions needed (which you can save on also) that may have been damaged during the disaster. These savings are not just for today but for a lifetime. Save today, tomorrow...and for the rest of your life!
1. Consult with your family and friends - There is a chance that a contractor will be highly recommended. The contractor did an excellent service for them and they are highly satisfied. Check with a local lumberyard. Contractors are seen often and the lumberyard knows which ones purchase quality materials and pay on time. Get the names of quite a few and start a list.
2. Interview the contractors by phone first - Asking them questions will help you decide who is reliable, available, and how much attention they can give your home. Ask if they are willing to provide you with references from suppliers and banks, a list of prior clients, and how many jobs they have going at one time. Mark any off your list that did not satisfy you with the answers they provided.
3. Meet them in person - Get estimates. Ask further questions. Get to know them. You should feel at ease with the person you are going to spending alot of time with at your home. You should be able to communicate well with each other. Remember to ask if they have worker's compensation or general liability insurance to cover themselves in case of injury on the job or damages the contractor may cause to your home while repairing. Eliminate any off the list that you are uncomfortable with.
4. Call former clients - Ask if you may see the work the contractor did in their homes. Find out how the work went, whether it went smoothly and in a timely manner. If at all possible, visit a site where a job is currently being performed so that you may see for yourself how the contractor actually works. If you are not completely satisfied with any of the contractors, take them off your list.
5. Get written bids or estimates - Make sure you get everyone to break down the cost of materials, labor, and other expenses. Do not go with the lowest bid just to save money. You may not end up saving in the long run. A good contractor will ask for a set of blueprints and ask what you want to have done and how much you plan to spend on the repairs at hand. Usually materials account for approximately 40% of the total cost.
6. Check the contractors' history - Before you decide which contractor to accept call the Better Business Bureau or the licensing/registration agency in your area to find out of any complaints have been filed. By now you should have your list marked down to just one contractor - the one you will trust to rebuild your home.
7. Draw up a contract - Get everything in writing. This should go into major detail, including the start-up date, estimated completion date, whether you or the contractor will purchase the materials and supplies needed, payment schedule, and a copy of their worker's compensation payments and liability insurance. Also ask the contractor to obtain lien releases to insure you from having to pay the subcontractors and suppliers if the contractor does not pay his bills. If the repairs are going to be large ones, have a lawyer review the contract. Any changes made on the contract during the process of rebuilding will increase the price and prolong the completion of the job.
Should you decide to do the purchasing of all the materials and supplies needed...you can save an astronomical amount of money that you can put back in your pocket. This savings could pay for the replacement of other items or possessions needed (which you can save on also) that may have been damaged during the disaster. These savings are not just for today but for a lifetime. Save today, tomorrow...and for the rest of your life!
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