By: Amy Sutton
Submitted: 2009-05-22 17:58:12 | Word Count: 601
There are tons of home improvements started every day in America. Some where there is a homeowner who decides to do upgrades, replace carpet, maybe install vinyl siding, replacing some cabinets stone knobs, add a room or a garage with expensive Iron garage door hardware or completely paint the house inside and out. Whatever the project if you are not a handy person or your husband is not, then you are going to want to find and hire a contractor.
The first thing you need to do is locate one. There are plenty of places to get names of contractors. You can talk to your local hardware store, check with places like Lowe’s or Home Depot, the yellow pages and maybe even the local bank and the local real estate offices, and of course friends who may have just had work done. Also check with your church members; there maybe contractors attending your church that may offer discounts for church members.
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Second, once you have your list of contracts, decide on 3 or 4 that you are interested in and interview the contractors. Ask them questions concerning how long they have been in business, what areas they cover, do they charge for estimates, do they take care of acquiring any permits that might be needed, do they require any kind of down payment, methods of payments that are accepted and what kind of time frame before they can start a job. Another thing you want to make sure of is that they are licensed for the state where you live. You might also want to inquire how big of a crew they have especially if it is going to be a big project. An important thing to remember is that sometimes, contractors specialize in one type of improvement or remodel.
If your project contains several different areas for example electrical, plumbing, carpentry, roofing, and siding, make sure that one contractor can handle it or has subcontractors that they use regularly. If one of the contractors you are interviewing only has one expertise, and your project is multifaceted, than you will want to mark that one off the list and select another for an interview.
Next you will want to set up a time to discuss the project and ask for an estimate from your contractor. When the contractor arrives, make sure you have a list of exactly what you want done, where you want it done, and any specifics such as paint colors. Inquire exactly when they can have the bid or estimate back to you, and also if you have a specific time for when the project needs to be complete, make sure they know up front. If they are busy, they may not be able to complete the project for your time frame.
Last but not least, once you receive all your estimates, compare them to make sure the bids are for the same things and include everything on your list. If you are satisfied with the estimate, you are to the hard part and that is selecting the contractor you feel will do the best job. Talk it over with your spouse or significant other and make the decision together.
Once you have made your decision, alert the contractor so that they can get you scheduled and handle getting any material ordered, and you will want to sign a contract to get the work in place and provide any down payment to the contractor. Research is important when searching for the right contractor. Do your home work and your home work will turn out just like you wanted it.
