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10 Tips for Working With a
Contractor
by Debbie Rodgers
This is the year you're going all out. You're going to build a deck, add
a porch, erect a gazebo or lay a patio. You've done the research. It's
well within your capability and you're looking forward to the
satisfaction of creating a structure of beauty.
Or maybe not. Yes -- you'd like to proceed with an outdoor structure but
for you, it isn't a do-it-yourself project. How can you find the right
person to do it for you? Here are 10 tips for hiring and working with a
contractor.
1. Plan your project carefully. Clip pictures, make sketches, write a
description. This will help you accurately convey to the contractor what
you want the finished product to be.
2. Make a list of contractors. Ask your neighbors or friends for the
names of reputable tradesmen. Contact material suppliers -- lumberyards,
for example -- and ask for recommendations.
3. Get at least three written bids for the project, but don't give in to
the temptation to automatically accept the lowest bid. A higher bid may
be worth the price in better materials, workmanship and reliability. If
you get a very low bid, the contractor may have made a mistake or
forgotten to bid on everything you wanted. If they have deliberately
low-bid, they may use cheaper materials or take shortcuts to make a
profit.
4. Many states and provinces require registration and/or licensing. For
the USA, www.nationalcontractors.com provides a starting point for your
state and type of construction. Click on Verify Contractors License. If
licenses are required in your jurisdiction, be certain to ask to see
your contractor's licenses and be sure that it's not expired.
5. Ask for references and then check them out. Look at the projects and
ask the previous clients if they are satisfied with the quality of work
done, if it was started and completed on schedule and if it is complete.
6. Get a signed, written contract and be sure you understand it. The
Construction Contractors Board of Oregon claims that the single biggest
cause of homeowner-contractor disputes is the written contract: not
having one, having a poor one, or having one everyone ignores. A good
contract should include:
The company name, address (not a post office box) & phone number, the
name of the builder, contractor and license number, if applicable
A detailed project description
A materials list
A statement that all necessary permits and inspections are the
responsibility of the contractor
Starting and completion dates
Warranties of workmanship, the length of the warranty, and specifically
what's covered and what's not Contractor's guarantee that he carries
liability insurance and worker's compensation coverage
A statement that clean-up will be done by the contractor
The total price and payment schedule
Also
Be wary of hourly, time and materials or cost-plus pricing where the
final price is not determined until completion of the project. Although
it may seem higher, a fixed price may give you the best protection and
price.
Be cautious about upfront payments for more than 10% of the contract
price. (check with your state or provice to see how much downpayment is
allowed by law.)
The schedule and criteria for each instalment should be clearly defined
in the contract.
Any instalments should be not be required on a certain date, but
correlated to work completion.
Do not pay cash. A reputable builder will ask for a check.
7. Make any changes to the project in writing with a "work order change"
to avoid misunderstandings and surprises.
8. Keep pets and children away from the construction site. This will
ensure not only their safety, but also that of the workers. In addition,
it helps keep the project on schedule.
9. Inspect the work regularly.
10. Pay directly and promptly according to the contract.
Above all, you should feel comfortable communicating with your
contractor. If you sense he is being evasive when you are getting a
quote, it won't get any better during the construction period. Find
someone you understand and who understands you, and who is open and
forthright.
Working with a contractor takes a little preparation, but following
these steps is well worth it. Are you looking forward to your new
outdoor space?
About the author
Debbie Rodgers, the haven maven, owns and operates Paradise Porch, and
is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture
and enrich them. Visit her on the web at
www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on "Eight easy ways to
create privacy in your outdoor space". Mail to
debbie@paradiseporch.com
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