The fact remains that in today's world the most valuable asset a person can own is their home. And if you consider the size of a home improvement project, it is essential to protect your home and your investment.
You may decide that you would like to renovate or remodel your home, and it can sometimes be difficult to find the right home improvement contractor. Here are a few tips to be aware of when searching for a contractor to improve your home:
* The best way to select a qualified and experienced contractor is by word of mouth. Check with your neighbors, family and friends who have had similar renovations done. Always request references and be sure you do the research.
* Look for a service that can offer rates and records of several different contractors.
* You can also go online and use directories to find qualified contractors in your service area. There are many types of directories available on the Internet. You can actually submit what type of project you would like done and receive telephone calls to have someone come out to give you an estimate. It is best to have at least three contractors come in, and then you decide which one is right for you.
* Only hire a contractor that has excellent referrals and high ratings.
Hiring a contractor will depend on the type of project you are looking to have done and you may need to search for certain professionals such as: Home improvement remodeling, renovations, heating or cooling, architects, plumbing, builders. These are to just name a few.
Here are some questions that you should always ask potential hires:
1. How long have you been doing contracting work?
2. What type of license do you have?
3. What certifications do you carry?
4. How many projects have you completed within the year, what were they for and with whom?
5. Do you have references?
6. Will you be using subcontractors, and if yes, what are their credentials?
7. Are your employees tested for drugs and alcohol?
8. Do you run criminal background checks on your employees?
9. What type of insurance do you carry and for how much?
10. What is covered by your insurance?
11. If they are working inside your home, are you bonded?
12. Will I require permits for the type of project I am planning?
13. Approximately how long will my project take to complete?
14. Is there a warranty on equipment and the work done?
You can also check with your county or state Government office to check for any resolved or unresolved complaints against the contractor before you make your final decision.
Be sure to call all references and ask them questions related to their project. For instance, was the project completed on time and were you satisfied? How did the contractor tell you of necessities during the project? Were there any hidden costs? Were they on time, pleasant and did they clean up after the job was completed?
Now you are prepared if you are ever planning on doing any type of home remodeling, remember, it's your home, protect your investment.
My passion is to help others through their journey in life. To help those who find it difficult to follow the right path, and to teach my children to offer their hands in life. I have a great passion in giving and finding peace and hope in all types of relationships.