Planning about home repair and renovation is, definitely, not an easy task. There’s a whole lot of planning and research needed before you finally make your mind to hire a contractor to get your work done. When it comes to home renovation, you want the best work at most reasonable cost. This is possible only with the proper planning and a knowledgeable as well as ethical home renovation contractor.
If you don’t want your next home renovation project turn into a nightmare, make sure the contractor you hire is licensed, registered, insured or sufficiently competent to do the work properly. People often get cheated as the contractor after taking a deposit just disappears. In some cases, they extend a project for months after the expected completion date.
It is very common to find customers unsatisfied with contractor’s substandard work, unethical business practices in addition to complaints about damaging the property. Consumers can protect themselves from unethical and incompetent home renovation contractors by following some tips to get the most out of their contractor.
Obtain multiple bids:
To get the most competitive price, it is important to get bids from various contractors. Once you have multiple estimates, you can easily compare the total project cost, quality of the building materials, and time duration to complete the job. Remember, the lowest bid is not always the best. Find out the best one based on your own thorough research.
Know your contractor well:
Before signing a contractor, check their business profiles to know how long they have been in business. Investigate your contractor’s work history and check if the firm has a current state license, including any certifications from national trade organizations. Find out reviews from the verified customer, whether any formal complaints or legal actions have occurred in the past or are pending and how they responded.
Be cautious of sales pitches:
Quite often people get trapped into clever sales tactics and sign a contract with general contractors. It is easy to get lured to avail discount by signing the contract today only. Usually, the motive behind such offers and schemes are to make you sign a contract in hurry or deposit the amount, without giving the opportunity to do your research.
Get your contract in writing:
Make sure to get every detail in writing for your home renovation contact. This should include, start and completion dates, the total cost, payment arrangements, your contractor’s license number, project description, names of parties involved and how to handle additional costs, if necessary. Ensure that all verbal promises made regarding construction and renovation work should be contained in the contract.
Know what permits are required:
Generally, for construction and home renovation work you require permits from the town or municipality. Find out what permits are needed and what regulations need to be followed before starting your renovation project. Remember, applying for and acquiring all necessary permits is the responsibility of the contractor and your renovation contract should specify all such details.
Never make full payment or a large deposit in advance:
You never know how things are going to happen and making full payment or a huge deposit, in the beginning, may put you in trouble. Ideally, you should follow the “Rule of Thirds” payment schedule. Here, at the time of signing your home renovation contract, you make the first payment. This will enable the contractor to pay for materials. Once the work starts, you pay the second installment and the final amount should be paid after the work is completed and you are satisfied with its quality.
Home renovation is essential from time to time but without proper planning, you may create a mess for yourself. So, make sure to hire the best contractor. Going by the expression, “Prevention is better than cure,” it always better to do a little research.
