Like many homeowners you
may have decided that you need some professional assistance with remodeling,
fixing or maintaining your home. The benefits are obvious - many home
improvement projects can increase your home’s eventual resale value. You will more than likely want a local
contractor who is affordable, reliable, yet professional to help you repair or
remodel your most important investment.
The first step is finding
the perfect contractor to fit your needs AND your budget. Asking around and
speaking to friends, coworkers and family are great barometers of finding the
good and bad contractors. Talk
with some of former customers before you hire. They can help you decide if a
particular contractor is right for you. Contractors live and die by their reputation,
and good ones protect it by standing behind their work and getting the job
right the first time. The general
contractor you hire should have the technical, business and interpersonal
skills, the tools and the experience needed to do the job you want done.
The second step is know
EXACTLY what you want. For instance, you
know that you want to build on an eight by ten foot room, with two windows and
four electrical outlets. Save yourself
money from the get go, and put your blinders on. Ignore what the contractor can
and can’t do for you. However, on the
flip side listening to their “suggestions” is recommended. Contractors can make great suggestions, and
we pay them for their experience. Maybe you could get a ten by ten foot room
for the same or less money because this contractor can cut the beams
differently than you originally expected.
Third, meet with
contractors; get your estimates IN WRITING. It’s always good practice to get at least
three written estimates. You should
always also get the specific terms in writing as well. What kind of wood do you want used? What kind of finishing on the walls? What color of paint? How many outlets do you want? Make absolutely sure that you have specified
all of the details in writing. By not
doing so, could impact the final price when the job is complete.
The days of the “handshake
deals” are long gone. Even the easier
home improvement project can be a major headache, so minimize the need for
painkillers and be prepared ahead of time.