Where to start
There are several basic steps to follow to make sure you select the best reputable contractors in your area.
Most residential contractors will offer free estimates for your project in mind. Multiple estimates can assure you of the best possible price and the most competitive price for the work to be completed. When you do select a contractor for an estimate let them know that you are getting several estimates from other local contractors. This will prompt the estimator to be realistic and pricing and quotes.
Where to start before selecting for estimates
First thing you should look at is who was in the local community. The first reason why is if it is local work and the contractor does not mind working in his hometown then this shows that the contractor does professional work is very reputable and typically his customers know where he lives.
In my hometown I have 52 customers who repeatedly call on my services time and time again and frequently ride by my home gesturing hello and occasionally popping in when I'm out front doing work.
Other reasons to try to stay with a local contractor are ease of access to the work which decreases overall time for the contractor. The contractors took would be on friendlier terms with the local building code inspector. Also contractor references are more readily available in the form of calling of Prior customer or driving by for a visual of the contractors recent works. This is great if you're seeking siding gutters Roofing concrete or any exterior related work.
What should I look for in a contractor
As well as the information above several other areas of concern should be looked at period
One would be is the contractor registered. Most States including my home state of New Jersey any persons performing work in a residential home valued at more than $500 must be registered with the state Department of Consumer Affairs.
Most states have adopted this registration process in an attempt to eliminate fraud and deception among contractors. We've all heard the stories on the news regarding hit-and-run contractors who collect deposits then never show up to do the work or leave when it's half done.
In addition to registration Most states require that the contractor be insured with the minimum expectation prior to being eligible to submit registration forms. Nevertheless always ask if they're insured and should you select later make sure you have a copy of that contractors insurance binder.
Another area of concern is money. What what is the fee schedule for the estimate submitted. So when you interview your contractor for a free estimate please indicate to them that you would like a breakdown of deposit and any intermediate payment request and balance do schedule at the end of the job.
A typical breakdown of payment
Many contractors will breakdown the scheduled payments in following way.
1/3 - contract than 1/3 during Midway which should be established in your contract then 1/3 third balance upon completion and a big factor here is that completion is upon local Municipal inspection of building code. Too many times homeowners have paid balance in full at the end of a job without the final inspection from the local municipality only to find that there's difficulty getting the contractor back to complete an issue or changing issue that may have failed inspection. Always protect yourself and get it in writing up front.
Many smaller jobs might require a slightly different fee schedule. For example a job that may only cost $900. On that job a contractor may ask for a 50% deposit. We're like many contractors 0 deposit balance due upon completion.
Just remember when receiving estimates and selecting estimates sometimes it's not all about the money. For instance you may like one contractor over another because you're more comfortable with that person however that person's estimate may be slightly higher than the prior estimate. Beware of the low ballers. Sometimes low ballers are unrealistic and their pricing which may attract your purse but beware there may be issues once they're inside your home.
At the same time Beware of the over expensive contractor. Some contractors follow of belief that everything they quote is high and it's just a numbers game. The more quotes that are out there the more jobs that are accepted at the higher rate.
Will the individual that you were meeting be performing the work. This question is asked and sometimes left off the table. Very important to establish this from the get-go. Once you have selected an individual to perform your work if that individual isn't present daily during the work there can be a lot of misinterpreted information passed between the estimator and his workers. Secondly when the owner of the construction company is there performing your work daily the expectation and professional results are increased as a direct reflection of his credibility and skill. This is first-hand information coming from my mouth to your ears as I have and still experience the same issue within my own company. No one works like the owner of the company.
These are the basic key points to start yourself out When selecting a local contractor.
Once you have shopped the estimates and selected my contractor
Okay congratulations. You did your due diligence and you shop the estimates and based on all estimates you've selected the best one to fit your budget and to get the work performed in the way that you would like.
Now it's time to sign up period
In your agreement to remodel also known as your contract you should have several key issues starting as follows.
The contract specifically spells out names of all parties. It should have specific start and end time. Should have a breakdown a fee schedule with an area for endorsement for payment. It should dictate conduct of the contractor for an example disposal cleanliness container placements yard signs in a typical schedule breakdown of when they are supposed to be there and when they are not supposed to be there period
A detailed explanation of what is being installed how it's being installed the quality of the component any warranty implied of the components.
There should also be a detailed paragraph providing warranty of the contractor's work itself. An example would be two years 5 years or lifetime warranty. Generally other terms and conditions throughout the contract protect you and the contractor.
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Quality Installation
"Do it Right...Do it Once"
1051 Ladner Ave.
Gibbstown, NJ 08027
856-956-6425
vdramis@yahoo.com
