How to Have a Positive Experience When Working With a Home Contractor

Hiring a contractor is a common practice for anyone who is planning a home addition or having any type of project done. There are numerous types of field specific contractors that you may need-masonry, drywall, siding, painting and roofing as well as general contractors who will deal with every aspect of building your house. And, when contemplating a large project, having their advice and knowledge can make a huge difference in the overall outcome of the job.

What Does a Contractor Do?

Succinctly put, a contractor is a person who supervises the workers who will actually do your construction project. It is also their job to see that the materials and permits are secured so your job is accomplished in an orderly and timely manner while staying within the allotted budget.

A contractor has knowledge of all aspects of the building process and can help you make the right decisions should there need to be changes along the way. In most states, it is necessary for the contractors to be licensed to perform any work, as well as being bonded and insured. When you talk to a potential contractor, ask to see their licensing, bonding and insurance policy numbers and be sure to check that the license is current. This is vital as in the event that if they do not, you are responsible for any medical bills, lost income or damages, should any occur.

How to Choose a Contractor

In order to have a positive experience when remodeling or building a home, hiring a qualified contractor that you can work alongside of with ease is important. As you select a building contractor, keep the following tips in mind:

• Ask for recommendations from friends and family.
• Conduct phone interviews. Be sure to check on the following: Do they take on the size project you have? Can they provide references? How many other projects will they being doing at the same time as yours? Can you visit a current job site? Ask them to show you their licensing, bonding, workman's compensation and insurance paperwork.
• Talk to the BBB for any complaints filed against them.
• Visit a current job site and check on these aspects: Is the job site neat and safe? Are the workers careful of the homeowner's property?
• Collect bids and plans. Be sure to ask for a breakdown of all costs-labor, materials, and other expenses.
• Be careful of the low bid. Often this means that corners may be cut or the contractor does not have the proper insurance, licensing, etc...
• Establish a payment...get it in writing! Never work with someone who demands half of the payment up front.
• Draw up a contract. Be sure that it clearly states the job requirements, each step of the job, payment plan, proof of liability, a start and end date, specific materials to be use and a stipulation that the contractor obtain lien releases.

For more information on a Home Contractor please visit http://www.tituscontracting.com/.


Article independently authored by Janet M. Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Titus Contracting.

Home Or Commercial Remodels - Finding the Best Contractor Or Builder Can Be Easier Than You Think

Like anything worthwhile, waiting for results takes time. With regards to remodeling a home this is especially true. Ignore every remodeling television show that has been broadcasted on the home or landscaping channels. These shows are usually shown in one hour blocks and heavily edited for the home owners viewing pleasure. For every hour of a remodeling or home building show, almost certainly, weeks have gone by in reality.

Although these television programs do provide some useful information, much of the knowledge conveyed to the viewer and home owner is not always applicable in their own state or county due to varying building codes and requirements. Every region will have definite and specific particulars that pertain. Unfortunately none of these shows actually focus on how to research effectively in order to find a good and reliable contractor. These shows either will focus on what not to do or exceptional methods of building.

Professional contractors and remodeling companies that provide polished and quality results can be challenging to find. In order to secure the services of the right builder, there are several steps to take before even bringing any ideas to the table. The home owner needs to be aware, even at this preliminary stage, that finding the best choice of contractor will probably take weeks in itself.

The majority of successful contractors will either have extensive portfolios of their work to leaf through or better yet may even have a showroom sampling the actual quality of work one may expect. Whether it is a kitchen remodel, adding dormers or a deck, precision and reliability are paramount. There are several resources a home owner may want to check.

Contacting the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a basic beginning. Remember that most individuals will never take the time put in a good word, but will instead be quick as lightning to enter a complaint. Balancing the number of any complaints against the true number of remodels or builds a company has undertaken will give a much more accurate percentage of how satisfied a customer is likely to be. A small percentage of any complaints entered should not be of major concern to a potential client. A small amount of past customers will not be able to be satisfied no matter even if the builder provided free labor and materials.

There are several other good resources with which to check. The National Association of Home Builders, or NAHB is a national association for home contractors. Each state and region will usually have a local or regional home builder association as well. The state licensing board for builders and contractors is a must to verify credentials. Some of these state offices may also be able to provide any information on awards and certifications that the contractor holds.

For more information on remodeling your home or an addition please visit
http://www.tituscontracting.com


Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Titus Contracting.