March madness: Spring home improvement projects have sprung
Spring has sprung. If you yearn for storage space or a spruce-up, you may decide you need help. That’s when a trusted and vetted contractor comes in to provide materials and labor to complete a job. Here are some tips:
• Research. Check out the contractor at BBB.org. Also search for the company online with “complaint”, “review” or “scam” to find different results.
Ask if their employees and subcontractors undergo a background check. Are they trained and certified? What identification will they show when they come to your home?
• References. Get a list of recent local references to contact, and ask them about services performed, quality of work, and their overall experience with the contractor. Ask if the contractor stuck to the estimated budget and completion date.
If possible, inspect the contractor’s work yourself. Ask if the contractor is a member of a professional association that has standards or a code of ethics.
• Multiple quotes. Always get at least three quotes from different businesses. Make sure all bids consider the same set of criteria - the lowest bid may not be the best. If one bid is significantly lower, the contractor may be cutting corners or not understand your work requirements.
• In writing. Always get estimates in writing and never let work begin without a written and signed contract. Don’t be pressured into signing anything before you are ready, and read and understand everything before signing.
The contract should include contact information, start and complete dates, a detailed description of the exact work to be done, material costs, payment arrangements, and warranty information.
Specify who obtains building permits and who is responsible for clean-up. Ensure all verbal promises are in the contract. Ask how much work will be subcontracted, and information on the subcontractors.
Ask questions if you do not understand any part of the contract. Never sign an incomplete or partially blank contract, and keep your contract for future reference or
License and insurance.
Verify the company has the necessary licenses and insurance to work in your area.
Once you have your contractor’s insurance information, confirm with the carrier: appropriate coverage for worker’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability in case of accidents.
• Building permits. Your contractor must have the correct permits before starting your project.
They will usually obtain the permits, but you will probably pay for them. That should be detailed in your contract. Request all final inspections be completed by the local building official prior to final payment.
• Lien waiver. A lien waiver is a statement from your contractor saying all suppliers and subcontractors have been paid for their work; ensure you understand any financial obligations you may be liable for.
• Payment. Never pay in full up front. Stagger your payments so your final payment is not due until the work is complete and you have fully inspected it.
Do not pay in cash; make sure your check is written to a company, not an individual, or use a credit card. Paying with a credit card provides some recourse if the job isn’t completed as stated in the contract. Request a receipt marked “Paid in Full” when the job is completed, and final payment made.
And make sure you know what your warranty covers and how to deal with service issues.