Hiring a Contractor |
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Once you decide to renovate your home, hiring a contractor is the most important decision you will have to make.
Finding the right one will take some time and effort. Some may consider your job too small or too big. Some may be unqualified, uninsured, or worse, unreliable. Here's a guideline:
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Before you check the yellow pages, start by asking neighbors, friends and family for the names of contractors they would recommend. |
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Go out and inspect the contractor's past and current projects. |
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Make sure the contractor is licensed, insured and bonded. |
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Once you have a shortlist of at least three contractors, ask for their references and follow up with each of them personally. Ask the following questions: |
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Were they on time and on budget? Did they clean up after themselves?
- Were there any problems? Was there any warranty or guarantee on the work performed? Would you hire them again?
- Finally, get everything in writing, down to the smallest detail. A handshake is not enough. And if any renovator asks you for a lot of money upfront, run away as fast as you can!
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