Planning a home improvement project is a task that requires time and knowledge. Plan your project right from the beginning. Research your project in great detail. For example, if you are going to put new siding on your home, check out the various siding products on the Web, request samples of the products, check to see if the manufacturer of the product you choose has a Web listing of local contractors that are certified to install the product. Know what you are buying before you buy the product. It is better to be informed than unaware.
Once you have done your research on the product and have several quotes, then do your homework on the contractors. Solicit two or three quotes and make sure that all the quotes cover the same product and service, so you can compare apples to apples and not apples to oranges. For example, make sure there are no hidden costs to be added later.
Before hiring a contractor, it is extremely important to compare the contractors that provide quotes for your home improvement project. Here is a checklist of items you should ask for or research:
- Ask for detailed information on the contractor, including name, address, phone number, how long in business, workmanship warranty, copy of license, and a copy of certificate of insurance that includes worker’s compensation.
- After obtaining the license number, check with the state to make sure the license number is valid and that it hasn’t lapsed.
- After obtaining the contractor’s insurance information, contact the agency to look for any claims the company may have against it.
- Ask for local references to contact, and drive by to look at the property to review the contractor’s work.
- Ask the contractor is it belongs to any professional associations or is credentialed, and then research the information.
- Contact the Better Business Bureau to learn how long the contractor has been in business and if any customers have ever filed complaints.
Once you have chosen a contractor, here are some items that should be included in the contract with the contractor:
- Parties of the contract
- Name, address, telephone number
- Scope of work
- A contract must spell out specifically what work is to be done by the contract, including the method for debris and material removal once the job is finished.
- Compensation
- A contract should state the total agreed-upon amount, when payment(s) will be made, in what manner payment(s) will be made, and on what terms payment(s) will be made.
- Time period, start and completion date
- Right-to-rescind or cancel the contract
- Warranty
- A warranty should state what is covered, for how long, and what the contractor will do if the work or product proves defective.
- Restoration
- Indemnification
- Insurance
- Copies should be provided prior to the start of any work.
- Licenses and permits
- Copies should be provided prior to the start of any work.
- Termination
- Default
Never pay a contractor for the entire job in advance, and avoid paying in cash. Make every attempt to pay a minimal down payment or no down payment for services and supplies, and don’t make payments for incomplete work. All the payment terms should be spelled out in the contract for you and understood by both parties. Never make a final payment or sign off on the work until you are satisfied with the work that was performed.
If you do your research, know what to expect, communicate it to the contractor, and are willing to pay a fair and reasonable price, you should get years of trouble-free performance out the product you chose and know that you made the right decision.
Erica Edwards is a client manager for Michael J. Turner Roofing & Siding in Middletown, Connecticut. She can be reached at eedwards@turnerexteriors.com or 860-346-0044.