ContractorGuide.com

Q. How can I trust a contractor I hire?
A Ask others for references. Don’t depend solely on the Yellow Pages. Interview and get bids from at least three contractors for comparison. Check out contractor references on past completed jobs. Make sure the contractor has general liability and workers compensation insurance. These types of insurance help protect you while work is being done. Insist on a written contract that details out brands, manufacturer’s model numbers and all specifications that apply. It should also indicate the planned date of completion and an agreement for the contractor and any subcontractors to clean up after the project is finished. Any special conditions should also be included.

Q: Am I required to hire a home improvement contractor to do improvements to my home?
A: When plans are required for room additions and other structural alterations, it is usually best to have an experienced design professional, such as a licensed home contractors or home improvement contractors assist you. Plans for nonstructural and conventional framing addition & alterations can be drawn by a draftsperson or someone like home contractors with home improvement experience & knowledge. For projects involving structural modifications, plans and calculations are typically required and must be prepared, signed and stamped by an home contractor or home improvement contractor licensed in the particular state.

Q: Do I need to hire licensed contractors?
A: Homeowners can act as their own home contractor (owner-builder) on their home improvement plans but we recommend that you hire a licensed and properly insured home contractors unless you are experienced in home improvement work and intend to do the work yourself. You can verify the status of any home improvement contractors' license and find excellent information on how to select the home contractor available at the Building Division in your state. More on hiring a contractor.

Q: How long do typical home improvement projects take?
A: That depends on the size and type of job of home improvement and your home contractors. Roofs usually take of few days. Painting projects usually last from a week to two and a half weeks. Retrofits generally take a week and a half to two and a half weeks. Of course, these times vary significantly depending on the size and condition of the home. Before beginning the job, the home improvement contractor should advise the client on how long to expect the job to last.

Q. How should I pay my home improvement contractor?
A. Be sure the contract includes a schedule of payments for the complete job. Arrange contractor payments so that the down payment (if any) does not exceed $1,000 or 10% of the contract, whichever is less. Also, only pay for work that has been performed, - never in advance! And remember, the payment schedule in your contract must be spelled out in dollars and cents – not percentages.

Don’t make final payments until you have seen receipts for bills paid by the contractor, or written waivers proving they have paid for materials and labor on the completed job. Even if you have paid your general contractor in accordance with the contract, if they fail to pay any subcontractor or supplier, you may remain responsible to subcontractors and suppliers who performed work or supplied materials for your project. You potentially bear the risk of having a Mechanic’s Lien filed against your home, if you have received a preliminary notice from any subcontractor or supplier.

Once you have signed a contract, make sure all contract changes are in writing and signed by the contractor.