Finding contractors to improve your house can be stressful. Tips can have your house looking fantastic quick and cheap.
So you're finally fed up with the peeling paint on your house - the driveway needs sealing; there's a leak in the basement and you decide you need the work done and done now. But where do you find someone efficient and reasonably priced to do all this for you? Using a little common sense and these tips can save you a houseful of money and worry in the long run.
First, talk to friends and family. You'd be surprised how many people have used private contractors for little jobs around their home and haven't bothered to tell you but will offer up numbers on request. Ask them what was done and how they felt about it, as well as the price agreed upon and the current state of their work. If the painter did a great job but your friend feels she was overcharged, consider it before calling the contractor up. On the other hand, you might feel that it's worth a call to inquire and get a quote before turning the contractor down. Check on the bulletin boards in your local community center as well as calling the local Better Business Bureau to see if they have any recommendations for workmen in your area. A good history of the contractor can far outweigh any flashy brochures and flyers distributed in your mailbox. If you can't find any friends and family, ask the contractors themselves for recommendations. Many will provide them on request for you to call up and verify the workmanship provided to the client, although obviously the sources provided will be somewhat biased for the contractor.
When you have a stack of numbers, start calling and asking for an appointment for them to come out and give you a quote on the work. Do not immediately schedule them to come and begin the next day; this could lead to financial difficulties from the outset. Almost all contractors will come and view the potential work, giving a written estimate on materials and labor costs to you - if they refuse, then move on to the next one. There is no reason why you should take someone's word over the phone that it'll be cheap and reasonable when they won't come out. This also gives you a chance to meet the contractor and see if he/she seems reliable and stable. If he/she mumbles about time scheduling problems and that maybe they'll get to you in a few months and just keep calling, you might want to consider moving on to the next name on your list. A professional contractor will deliver written estimates and time estimates and be honest about any problems that might arise due to either weather or prior commitments. Collect the quotes and mull them over for a few days as to your best opportunity and how you feel about the work being offered for the price. Don't go on your first reaction as there are many sweet talking salesmen who live for the instant sale - and you might regret making a snap decision when the work is finally done.
If possible, monitor the work of the contractor as he progresses through the project. Make sure that he is providing the services and materials asked for and paid for; and that it is to your specifications and your liking. If you wanted brick red paint for your walls and he is suddenly painting it light rose because he decided that the paint was better; take charge of the situation immediately. Remember that you are the client and that there should be an agreed time in which the task is to be completed and to your satisfaction.
Keep all receipts for materials and the written contract for at least a year after the work is completed. In case of any dispute over shoddy workmanship or problems arising from the project you will need the documentation. Make sure that the work is done according to the papers you and the contractor have both signed and agreed upon and keep the copies in a safe spot.
Finding a contractor need not be a stress filled series of phone calls making your head spin with numbers and decisions. Taking your time and selecting the right man or woman for the job can be a good experience for both of you - and your house will only benefit from your experience!
