IN GENERAL:
-Plan your project carefully.
-Shop around before hiring a contractor. Don't be pressured into signing a contract on the spot.
-Get at least three written bids on a project.
-Check with your State contractors license board to see if contractor is properly licensed.
-Look at work the contractor has completed for other clients.
-Ask for at least three references.
-Assume nothing. Be sure everything you and your contractor have agreed to, is in writing and is in your contract.
-Ask your contractor about any inconveniences that may occur and plan accordingly.
KEEP A JOB FILE:
-Make sure you receive lien releases from subcontractors and suppliers.
-Make final inspection of work, including a final walk through.
-Only hire licensed contractors.
-Never let your payments get ahead of the contractors completed work.
-Find a contractor who has been in business for at least four years.
-Verify insurance such as workman's comp and liability insurance.
BE SURE YOUR CONTRACT INCLUDES:
-Contractor's name, address, phone number, and license number.
-Approximate dates for beginning and substantial completion.
-Description of work to be done. Materials and equipment to be used and /or installed. Price for work.
-Schedule of payments in dollars and cents.
KEEP IN MIND...
-If your job requires a permit, be sure your contractor provides you with one.
-If an offer appears to good to be true, it probably is.
-Make sure all the bids are based on the same set of specifications.
-Make sure you understand the reasons for any variation in price.
-Some contractors promise big discounts if you sign a contract on the spot. Often, a better deal can be found just by getting another estimate.
-A higher price may be justified if the materials to be used are of a higher quality, or the work is more extensive. For example, if you are having a kitchen remodeled and one bid is based on installing prefab cabinets in standard sizes, while another is based on custom cabinets, the prices will not be comparable.
-Beware of any bid that is substantially lower than the others. It probably indicates that the contractor made a mistake, or is not including all the work quoted by his or her competitor.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to serve you.
Lenny Vasbinder
Neighborhood Home Services
Metairie, LA 70003
(504) 621-1870
[email protected] (or just click the link to the right)
