Tuesday, March 6, 2012

How to Pick the Right Home Improvement Contractor

While winter is still upon us (despite the mild weather), now is the time when many people are planning a warm weather renovation.  If you fall into this category, before you hire a home improvement contractor, here are some things to think about before you sign on the dotted line.

  • First, ask friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors for referrals. Receiving a referral from someone you know is often the best way to find the best person to do the job.
  • Once you receive the referrals do not accept them without doing your own homework.  If your neighbor needed her half-bath redone and you want to add a huge addition, her contractor may not be the right one for you.  Some contractors specialize and you don't want to hire a kitchen and bath person if you plan on gutting the interior of your home.
  • Don't just ask for references from the contractor. Rather, ask the contractor for the names of the last 3 projects he has completed or is presently working on. Also, ask to visit one or more of his current work sites. 
  • Make sure your contractor is registered and licensed as a construction supervisor. A construction supervisor is licensed by the state and is required to take an examination.  Making sure your contractor is a registered HIC is the first step to being able to collect from a guaranty fund set up by the Commonwealth.  
  • Make sure your contractor has insurance—worker’s compensation and comprehensive general liability for certain and errors and omissions if your contractor can find such a policy.  You may want to consider finding out whether you can purchase a rider to your own policy for a nominal cost. That way, if something goes wrong you will at least be reimbursed. The insurance companies can then fight out who ultimately pays the claim, not you.
  • Seriously consider having a lawyer draft or review a contract for you.  There are many provisions which should be included and others which must be included as a matter of law.  
You can hear me talk more about hiring a home improvement contractor on March 29 at 7 pm at my office.  You can sign up here:  http://www.eventbrite.com/myevent?eid=2943609415

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