Before selecting a remodeling contractor, you should carefully plan your project from start to finish. For example, if your project involves a room
\naddition, determine exactly what your needs are, how the room is to be used, and what you want the completed job to look like. It is a good idea to coordinate your color schemes and draw a simple floor plan using miniature tables and chairs to lay out the room arrangement.<\/p>\n
Be specific in explaining to the contractor what you want, and be sure to approve any architectural plans that are involved in the remodeling job before the contractor begins the work.<\/p>\n
Hiring a Contractor<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n It is extremely important to compare costs before making a financial commitment toward any home improvement project. You should solicit at least two or three bids from prospective contractors bids based upon the same building specifications, materials, labor, and time needed to complete the project.<\/p>\n Discuss bids in detail with each contractor, making certain you understand the reasons for any variations in the prices. Do not automatically choose the lowest price. One contractor\u2019s bid might be higher because the materials to be used are of a better quality or because the work will be especially thorough and, therefore, require more time and labor.<\/p>\n Ask the remodeling contractor for local references and find out if these customers were satisfied with the contractor\u2019s work. If possible, visit and Find out if the contractor is a member of a professional association which has standards or a code of ethics for remodelers.<\/p>\n Contact your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn how long a contractor has been in business and if the firm has been responsive to any Another important matter to consider before hiring a contractor deals with insurance. Ask the contractor if the company is insured against claims covering worker\u2019s compensation, property damage, and personal liability in case of accidents.Then call to verify the contractor\u2019s insurance coverage after obtaining the name of the carrier and agency.<\/p>\n Finally, check with your state, county, or city housing authority to see if the contractor must meet certain licensing and\/or bonding requirements in your area. If so, make sure your contractor is properly licensed and bonded. Never pay a contractor for the entire job in advance and avoid paying in cash whenever possible.<\/p>\n Home Improvement is not an exact science. Expensive hidden problems can be uncovered once work has begun.<\/p>\n Financing Your Project<\/strong><\/p>\n To obtain financing for your home improvement project you may want to consider a personal or bank loan, a home equity loan, a loan from your credit union or insurance company, or a loan from a savings and loan institution. While your contractor may be able to assist you in securing the needed financing, it is important that you investigate the various sources of funding and compare the amounts, interest rates, terms, and tax considerations.<\/p>\n If you cannot pay for a home improvement project without a loan, it is a wise idea to put a clause in your contract with the remodeler stating that the agreement is valid only if financing is obtained.<\/p>\n Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans for home improvements are available through certain banks and other lending institutions. However, FHA requires that the lender approve any contractor associated with the loan request and will not guarantee the work or the contractor. Be wary of any contractor who tells you that he\/she has been approved or endorsed by the FHA.<\/p>\n If your home improvement project results from an accident or natural disaster that is covered by insurance, check with your insurance company to determine the extent of coverage before signing a contract to have the damages repaired.<\/p>\n Getting a Building Permit<\/strong><\/p>\n Building codes are established by most cities, towns, and counties and may vary considerably from one jurisdiction to another. Your A building permit is generally required when performing structural work or when a home\u2019s basic living area is changed. Separate permits for electrical, heating, or plumbing work are required in some cases. Check with your local department of licensing and permits when starting a job to learn if a building or work permit is required.<\/p>\n If the project does, in fact, require a building permit, the contractor should apply for it in his or her name. Thus, if the contractor\u2019s work does not When a government agency issues a permit for home improvement work, it will inspect the work when that work has reached a certain stage to make sure it complies with various codes and regulations. It is the responsibility of the contractor to arrange for these inspections.<\/p>\n Contract Negotiations<\/strong><\/p>\n Terms and Conditions: All agreements and oral promises regarding a home improvement project should be put in writing to protect both the customer and the contractor. If you intend to do some of the work yourself or hire another contractor to do it, such terms should be written into the contract as well. A thorough description of the work to be done, specifying all materials to be used in terms of quality, quantity, weight, color, size, brand name, etc.;<\/p>\n In addition, make sure the written contract includes:<\/p>\n You should make every attempt to pay a minimal or no downpayment for supplies or services; especially if you have not done business with a Cancellation Rights: When you sign a home improvement contract in your home and in the presence of a contractor or contractor\u2019s representative, you have three business days in which to change your mind and cancel the contract. The contractor is required to tell you about your cancellation rights and provide you with any cancellation forms. If you cancel, it is recommended that a notice of cancellation be sent to the contractor by certified mail, with a return receipt request.<\/p>\n Never make final payment or sign an affidavit of final release until you are satisfied with the work done and know that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid.<\/p>\n Lien Protection: For a large remodeling job that involves several subcontractors and a substantial financial commitment, you should protect Warranty Clause: Any warranty offered on products by the contractor should be in writing and scrutinized carefully. Make certain you understand all the terms and conditions, including the length of the warranty. The warranty must state whether it is a FULL warranty that gives the consumer certain automatic rights or a LIMITED warranty that restricts certain consumer rights.<\/p>\n Quick Check List<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Before selecting a remodeling contractor, you should do the following:<\/p>\n Outside Contacts<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n To learn more about Home Improvement issues, contact the following:<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2013<\/p>\n This document is provided for your information and use as you deem appropriate. The publisher Before selecting a remodeling contractor, you should carefully plan your project from start to finish. For example, if your project involves a room addition, determine exactly what your needs are, how the room is to be used, and what you want the completed job to look like. It is a good idea to coordinate your color schemes and draw a simple floor plan using miniature tables and chairs to lay out the room arrangement. Be specific in explaining to the contractor what you want, and be sure to approve any architectural plans that are involved in the remodeling job before the contractor begins the work. Hiring a Contractor It is extremely important to compare costs before making a financial commitment toward any home improvement project….<\/p>\n
\ninspect their completed projects.<\/p>\n
\ncomplaints filed with the BBB.<\/p>\n
\ncontract should state that the work is performed in accordance with all applicable building codes and zoning regulations in the area where you reside.<\/p>\n
\npass inspection, you cannot be held financially responsible for any corrections hat must be made. Terms regarding the application of any permits should be outlined in the written contract.<\/p>\n
\nThe written contract should also include:<\/p>\n\n
\ncompletion dates;<\/li>\n
\nof labor and material charges;<\/li>\n
\nof workmanship;<\/li>\n
\nmaterial removal once the job is finished; and<\/li>\n
\nright to cancel the contract within three business days if you sign it in
\nyour home or at a location other than the contractor\u2019s permanent place of
\nbusiness. This clause should also state that the contract is null and void
\nor will be renegotiated if the job uncovers unexpected or hidden problems
\nor damage after work has begun.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
\ncontract. Read every contract clause carefully and ask any questions you
\nmay have before signing. Retain a copy of the contract once it is signed,
\nand file it in your records.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\ncontractor in the past. You should not make any payments for incomplete work. Schedule payments at weekly or monthly intervals or after completion of each phase of the project. All of these terms should be spelled out in the contract and clearly understood by both you and the contractor.<\/p>\n
\nyourself from liens against your home if the primary contractor does not pay his or her subcontractors or suppliers. You may do this by adding a
\nrelease-of-lien clause to the contract or by placing your payments in an escrow account until the work is completed.<\/p>\n\n
\nto finish.<\/li>\n
\nexactly what you want.<\/li>\n
\narchitectural plans that are involved before the contract work begins.<\/li>\n
\nfinancial commitment.<\/li>\n
\neach contractor.<\/li>\n
\nreferences and find out if he or she is a member of a professional
\nremodelers association.<\/li>\n
\nBureau to learn how long a contractor has been in business.<\/li>\n
\ninsured against claims covering worker\u2019s compensation, property damage,
\nand personal liability.<\/li>\n
\ncity housing authorities to be sure that a contractor meets all area
\nlicensing\/bonding requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
\nTRADE COMMISSION<\/a> at 877.FTC.HELP (877.382.4357)<\/li>\n
\nINDUSTRY (NARI)<\/a> 703.575.1100<\/li>\n
\nASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS (NAHB) REMODELORS COUNCIL<\/a> 202.822.0216<\/li>\n
\n202.383.1000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nand provider offer no specific express guarantees related to the impact from
\nthe use of this information, nor can they be held liable for the results from
\nthe use of this information. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"