(ARA) - If you're thinking about remodeling the kitchen, bathroom or some
other room in the house this summer, you're in good company. Industry experts
are predicting this year will be one of the busiest on record for remodeling.
"I just saw the results of a recent survey of professional remodelers
and if they're any indication, people in the home remodeling business are going
to be dealing with backlogs for some time," says Dennis Day, a spokesman
for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the largest and oldest
construction trade association in the United States.
While you may be excited about finally getting a project you've been wanting
to do for a long time done, Day says you shouldn't just jump into the process
without first doing some careful planning.
"Deciding who to hire to do the different aspects of your job requires
careful consideration," he says. "And a good place to start is by
checking out a company's references and reputation. Here is a checklist to follow:
* Verify the contractor's licensing and insurance.
* Make sure the contractor has at least five years experience and is an expert
doing the type of work you need.
* Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if information on your candidate
is available.
* Ask how many jobs like yours the contractor has completed.
* Ask for examples of work the contractor has done on other projects.
* Ask the contractor for references from ten current and/or past clients
who have had work similar to yours done. Most business comes to a good contractor
from referrals, so investigate these references. Randomly call at least three.
"You should ask the people you call if they were satisfied with the
job done, if there were any delays in the work schedule, if workers showed up
regularly and on time, and if the work area was well- maintained. It would also
be good to know if the contractor held firm to time and cost estimates, how
questions and complaints were handled, and if the person you're talking to would
use the contractors again," says Day.
The contract you sign with the contractor should include clear information
on all aspects of the job including the scope of the work, specific materials
to be used, start and projected finish dates, and the progress payment schedule.
Be sure all parties understand the terms of the agreement or contract. The contract
can be used for your protection if the project is delayed, incomplete, or damaged.
For more tips on choosing the right contractor or construction contracts,
log on to AGC's Web site at www.agc.org.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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