Tag Archive | "Find"

How to find roofing contractors in Minnesota

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Before proceeding further into the article, let me give you a brief introduction about Minnesota. Minnesota is the twelfth-largest state and is located in the mid-western region of United States. It is referred to as the “land with 10,000 lakes” and is a US state with weather conditions that differ from one season to the other. The forests, parks and wilderness areas of Minnesota, offer loads of recreational opportunities to the tourists as well as people of this state.

The state faces heavy winds, rain, thunderstorms, blizzards and hail- that cause trouble to people living over here. The homeowners of Minnesota know that winters can bring in some harmful weather conditions for them. With strong winds and temperatures falling below zero, the buildings and homes must be properly protected to ensure the safety of those residing inside. The residents of Minnesota have to ensure that robust and strong materials are made for the construction of their homes and workplaces!

Obviously, this is not a good news for your roof, no mater what the material its’ made of! The roof of a home is the biggest asset that protects an individual from the harmful effects of Mother Nature. A sound and good roof ensures that you are fully protected and your supports/ delicate systems stay in the best shape. Hence, it is vey important that you contact a licensed and local Minnesota contractor, for fixing up any problem with your roof.  The roofing contractors will carefully examine or analyze the roof- and find out what needs to be done for getting the roof back in shape.

However, the biggest issue that arises here is to find out the right contractor. With so many licensed and efficient contractors in the state, it becomes very difficult for finding the one that may attend to your needs and requirements. There are numerous ways for finding out the right roofing contractor. Firstly, you may surf the internet to know to know the roofing contractors skilled in slate, metal, asphalt, metal, tar and wood roofing installation. It is indeed a convenient and sure-shot method of finding out the correct information.

Another way would be to ask your neighbors, friends and relatives about the roofing contractors. They may refer names of some efficient and skilled contractors- to ease your task further. “Word of mouth” is one of the most reliable ways of getting to know about a particular contractor. The third step would be search through yellow pages- which lists only efficient and good contractors. Searching through yellow pages is also a convenient method of getting to know about skilled or talented roof contractors!

Well, above are some of the ways for finding a roof contractor for your home. So, use them and get the contractor of your choice!

Looking for a Roofing Contractor ? Find more about Siding Minnesota

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AVOIDING CONTRACTOR FRAUD; The Scoop You Will Only Find Here

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By Jason Valavanis, CFP 

Few financial advisors will write about this topic, and, frankly speaking, most financial advisors only write about what makes them money. But, in light of the horrific hurricane-happenings of 2004 and 2005, I felt the need to elaborate what was the most destructive form of fraud the State of Florida has ever experienced in 100 years.  We are in the midst of another hurricane season, so I felt the need to highlight this topic.  Hey folks, hurricanes are not the thing of the past.  Even if no spooky wind ruffles your feathers, you may still need a building contractor for whatever reason.

 Construction contractors come in all forms.  Most are honorable, fully licensed, and have all of their liability insurance in order, but there are a few significant issues most government and independent sources will ignore.  These most “important” matters are the underlying reasons why so many senior citizens (and younger folks) have been ripped off, financially bludgeoned, violated, and, may I say, “taken to the bank”.

 If you must hire a contractor to “renew” your palace to the “pre-storm” levels, or you insist on remodeling any part of your house, you MUST, and I mean MUST, abide by these following ideas:

 Once you have decided to hire a contractor, it is paramount that you choose one that has a strong and local history.  Do not focus on price or personality.  If you do, it will be the kiss of death.  The best price tends to be directionally proportional with the best personality.  Slick salesmen are the most likely to disappoint, so keep a keen eye.  Here is what I do to select a contractor:

 First, I demand what I want done and then I listen to their solution.  I do this three times – three different contractors.  If I feel they make sense, I ask for their price.  If the price is within reason, I insist on a copy of their local occupational license, a copy of their State license, and a copy of their liability insurance.  I demand this of all three bidding contractors.  No exceptions!  If you forgo this easy step, you are either lazy, rich or in a hurry.

 Once I have these three priceless documents from each contractor, I ask for a couple of days to think about it.  This is when I become Inspector Colombo.  I call the County, the insurance company, and the State to verify everything.  Yes, my friend, verify, verify, verify!  Once I have done all the homework, I just may find discrepancies.  I then start asking questions.  If after questioning, they give me the runaround, I politely ask them to visit Siberia at the peak of the winter. 

 Once you get these three documents, and then successfully checked them out, you must ask this one VERY important question: “Do you need any money up front?”  If they say “yes”, send them walking.  Here is why: Respectable contractors with good credit do not need money up front.  If they are decent businessmen, they will have strong credit lines with their suppliers and their banks.  With those credit lines, they should not have to pay for materials for 30, 60, or even 90 days.  So, if they insist that they need cash up front to buy materials, they are, in effect, admitting to you that they cannot maintain satisfactory credit with their suppliers, which means they are “losers”.  Basically, they are poor businessmen and you may be their next victim.  In a nutshell, you do not want to engage into a financial relationship with a contractor who cannot maintain a good bond with his bank or suppliers.  If you do, you may be paying for work not done, and even worse, paying his supplier for materials that he never paid for.

 Rarely, is the government in a position to help you in any way, simply because they are over-worked and/or complicit.   Basically, common sense, a keen eye, and due diligence is your best defense to keep yourself insulated from contractor fraud.

Jason ValaVanis graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. He performed as an mechanical-optics engineer for Martin Merietta on the Cobra Helicopter and the F-16 Fighter Jet night vision systems. He maintained a DOD secret security clearance for his work on Military sensitive weaponry. From there, he was recruited to launch Atlas Rockets for General Dynamics at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. At KSC, he was a Systems Launch Engineer for 19 Atlas rocket launches and was a part of placing our GPS and military satellites in Geo-Stationary orbit. In 1990, his love for Financial Planning extracted him from the space program. With his math background, he attended college again where he completed his Professional Education Studies Program towards the coveted Certified Financial Planner Boards License. After passing the two-day Board Exam, he earned his Board Certification in Financial Planning from the College for Financial Planning in Denver. He formed two financial firms where he now manages over $85 million. His focus is simple and always remains the same: Preserve wealth while increasing income, reducing risk, reducing taxes, and creating the lifetime legacies for our loved ones. Jason is a local author where he has published over 60 articles on financial planning and facing life’s money challenges. He is currently writing his first book titled: The Road to Domestic Wealth; How to Turn $50,000 into $5 million in 20 years. Jason Valavanis can be contacted at 321-956-7072.

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How to find a local Air Conditioning and Heating Repair & Service Contractor

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How to find a local Air Conditioning and Heating Repair & Service Contractor.

 

Why Cheap Isn’t Cheap – If you have a problem with your air conditioning or heating system you may get advice from acquaintances who suggest someone who does work for a very cheap price. Perhaps this person is a friend of a friend or someone who does the work in their spare time. Take our advice and think very carefully before you let just anyone work on your system. There was a time when you could pull your car under the shade of a tree and almost anyone with mechanical skills could repair it for you. This also used to be true of air conditioning equipment. With today’s equipment this is no longer the case. If your air conditioner or heater breaks down you need the services of licensed contractor who has the knowledge, proper tools and equipment, access to the proper parts, and most importantly the experience to do the job right the first time and not leave you in worse shape that when you started. Improper installation and start up can result in early system failure and cause the need for additional maintenance throughout the life of the equipment.

1) Licensed, Insured and Bonded – Make sure any contractor you consider is licensed in the state for the work which you require them to perform. Contractors are required to take tests to prove they have the skills to do the type of work for which they are licensed. Also make sure they carry the proper insurance, including workers compensation and are bonded to insure against damages to your home and property.

2) Make Sure They are Listed - Get a business address and telephone number. Reputable companies will be happy to give out this information. If they don’t have a valid business address and proper contact information then they are likely to be gone when warrantee repairs need to be done.

3) Make Sure they Have an EPA License – Make sure any company you deal with has the proper EPA license for the equipment they are servicing. An EPA license is different than a state license and is required to handle refrigerants and to make sure that they are not contaminated and are properly disposed of when removed. (Air Conditioning only)

4) Consider their Business History - When dealing with a contractor ask how long they have been in business. Especially in a smaller community businesses that have been around a while are generally more honest, better trained, and have a reputation for keeping their customers satisfied.

5) Require the Proper Recycling Equipment - Ask what type of recovery system they use for refrigerants. A reputable contractor uses a recycle recovery machine to reclaim any refrigerant which must be removed from the system saving you money and protecting the environment from harmful refrigerants. (Air Conditioning only)

6) Require the Proper Heater Testing Equipment – Ask what type of carbon monoxide detection device they use to determine the safety of your heating system. A reputable service person will use a high quality detection system able to read carbon monoxide or CO down to 1 part per million. (Heating only)

7) Don’t be afraid to ask for references. You can also ask friends and family members if they have a company they are happy with but remember to apply the above criteria before making a final decision.

8) Call the Better Business Bureau for a Report. If the company has a complaint on file or they have multiple complaints ask if the percentage of complaints are higher or lower that usual. 1-3 percent of jobs in this field result in a complaint so if the company does hundreds of jobs and only has one or two complaints they may still be acceptable.

9) Check with Local Officials - Check with the building inspector in the area to ask if the company is reputable.

Company Profile of The Pipe Doctor Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning located in Woodmere, NY – Our Mission – Since 1999 we have been providing prompt, professional and affordable residential, commercial and industrial air conditioning, heating and plumbing service and installation to our customers in and around the Long Island area. Our goal is exemplary service built on honesty, education, certification, and high ethical standards. As a result we are quickly growing into one of the leading Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning contractors on Long Island with 7 locations.

http://www.pipedoc.net

516-295-2448

 

Company Profile of The Pipe Doctor Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning located in Woodmere, NY – Our Mission – Since 1999 we have been providing prompt, professional and affordable residential, commercial and industrial air conditioning, heating and plumbing service and installation to our customers in and around the Long Island area. Our goal is exemplary service built on honesty, education, certification, and high ethical standards. As a result we are quickly growing into one of the leading Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning contractors on Long Island with 7 locations.

http://www.pipedoc.net

516-295-2448

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How to Find Local Businesses on the Web

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How to Find Local Businesses on the Web Technology has continued to move forward since the inception of the Internet, providing a voluminous resource of information to anyone typing a keyword into a search engine like Google, Yahoo or Bing. Literally millions of possible resources pop up with a single click of your mouse, providing web address, contact information and marketing materials for all the possible businesses that could provide you with the product or service you need. But, for those members of the populace that are a little unnerved at how to effectively interpret this mass of content, the web can be a daunting resource.

Need to Find Local Businesses? Let’s consider that our shopper is looking for a local service business. They’re not interested in a global company and are not ready to drive 5 hours to meet with a salesman. They just want to find local businesses that offer the service that they require. Well, there are a few ways to narrow down an Internet search to reduce your search results to a shortened list of local businesses who offer what they need.

Geo-Target your Web Search It may sound complicated, but all geo-targeting means is that when you type a keyword into the search bar when you want to find local businesses, you add in an actual location, depending on how far you’re setting your search boundaries, for the businesses you seek. For example, if you’re looking for a local painting contractor in Michigan, then you would type “Painting Contractors + Michigan” into the search bar. Your results should only include those painting contracting businesses who do business in the state of Michigan. This exact search results in 262,000 possible options via a Google search. How then do you find local businesses that best fit your requirements out of those 262,000 potentials?

Narrow Down the Top 5 You could easily choose from the top 5 painting contractors that show in your search results and pick from them, but there is an easier way to narrow down your search even more. You want to find a local painting contractor, but what services do you need from them specifically? Powerwashing? Exterior painting? Interior painting? Is it a job for your home (residential) or you office (commercial.) Key your service requirements into the search bar after “painting contractor+Michigan” and you’ll find local businesses that handle that service. One last narrowing tool? Add one more plus sign after your service option and key in your home town or location of your job. Michigan, after all, is a big place, and a contractor located across the state wouldn’t be much help. See who’s left in the top 5 and choose three to research from there.

FinditLocal411 is a community resource for Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana businesses. We are committed community members looking to help build the businesses and families around us. Get seen on FinditLocal411 (http://www.finditlocal411.com/) – the ultimate one-stop resource for all things local, including local business reviews and coupons, classifieds, events, and deals! If you’re looking to get noticed in the Michiana area, we can help.

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Tips How to Find Concrete Contractor

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It is always a good decision to hire a professional concrete contractor instead of laying concrete yourself because you will need some experience and special equipment to do the task. When you are looking for a concrete contractor for your project it’s important to remember that concrete work encompasses a vast area of expertise. We can provide you with a few general tips search for a good concrete contractor so you can avoid problems and hire reliable specialist.

You can start you search for concrete contractor by asking your co-workers, friends or neighbors for recommendations. Check out the concrete work that was done for them, how it looks today, how long ago it was done and in what shape the concrete is right now. If someone you know is happy with their concrete project, contact same concrete contractor to arrange a meeting.

Another good place to find concrete contractor is local concrete supplier stores. They definitely know all local concrete contractors and can give you recommendations. Some stores have their own concrete contractors’ team and you can get an appraisal at no cost.

Online websites can also provide you with contact information on many local concrete contractors. You can find pretty much everything you need to know about a concrete contractor including his areas of skill and as well as phone number and address.

Various concrete contractor associations can be a good source of information when looking for a contractor to hire. Choosing a contractor who is a member of a prestigious and well-respected association gives you the assurance that the contractor will provide quality work.

Before you hire concrete contractor make sure to ask them few questions to see how experienced contractor is and if he has all necessary licenses and ability to get permits. Here is a list of question you need to ask your potential concrete contractor:

•How long have they been laying concrete?

•Can they provide you with references from previous jobs?

•Can you contact their references and inspect the jobs?

•Check their liability insurance certificate and proof of Worker Compensation Insurance

•Will they provide a written, itemized proposal that includes starting and completion dates, demolition and excavation paving and base materials, taxes and terms of payment?

•Do they guarantee their work for one year? Will they return in a year to inspect it?

Good concrete contractor should be able to answer all these questions. Your preparedness can make a difference in how smoothly your project gets installed. Many contractors will also have a showroom you can visit to see examples of their work. A good website will have photos of past projects and a complete description of the contractor’s services. This can save you a lot of leg work by allowing you to review color options, designs, and a portfolio before you even meet the contractor in person.

Check with the Better Business Bureau to find out if any customers have filed a complaint against the concrete contractor that you are considering. A complaint or two is not uncommon since a contractor will have many customers a year.

Before signing the contract, read through it one more time to make sure all aspects of the concrete project are covered and your concrete contractor can start on it.

To get your concrete project done right you need to hire best concrete contractor. If you are a webmaster then get free backlinks to improve your search engine rankings.

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How To Find Kitchen Remodeling Contractors You Can Rely On

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Today, you can find DIY information for almost any job. However, getting down to “doing it yourself” is not as easy as it sounds.

Take for example, your kitchen. There is no better way to increase the value of your house than to remodel your kitchen. Your kitchen must have aesthetic as well as functional value, and therefore it could be the focal point of your house. However, remodeling the kitchen is not everyone’s cup of tea. It requires skilled hands that are tough and accurate. In fact, you may hardly find an area that you do not require the help of kitchen remodeling contractors.

How kitchen remodeling contractors can help

Kitchen remodeling contractors help you prevent expensive mistakes. Contractors know in advance what will work and what will not work in order to make your kitchen cabinets, countertops and flooring sturdy and presentable. Kitchen remodeling contractors understand material quality, pricing, design and the latest trends. They can therefore work closely with you in order to customize your kitchen according to your needs, without losing out on the latest trends. Kitchen remodeling contractors can convert your uninformed ideas into satisfying professional designs by removing the flaws that you would otherwise have made. Being adept in kitchen remodeling, contractors can get the job done much quicker, as they are equipped with the right tools and they are trained to use them efficiently.

How to hire a kitchen remodeling contractor

Hiring a proficient contractor takes more than looking for ads in your local newspapers, or yellow pages. These ads tell you nothing about the contractors work experience and history. Here are some hiring tips:

Get estimates from as many contractors as possible. Think twice before opting for the lowest quote, lest you end up with sub-standard materials and a requirement for redoing your kitchen in a couple of year’s time. Choose a contractor who has a strong track record of at least five years in the field. Check at your local consumer protection department and the Better Business Bureau for any complaints against the contractor. Also check if the contractor is registered in your state and licensed to work in your locality. Find out about these requirements from your consumer protection department. Find out if any permit is required for your type of project, as many states require you to get permits for small projects as well. Ask your contractor to obtain the necessary permits. Contractors who back off and tell you to obtain your own permit may not be licensed to work in your state or locality. There are many associations for home improvement contractors. Find out if the contractor is a part of any such prestigious association. Being affiliated to such an association can be a sign of reliability. Your contractor must show you a copy of the minimum liability insurance covering bodily damage and property damage as required by the state law. If this coverage is not obtained, any liability would be your responsibility.

The contract

Always read the full contract to see if it meets the requirements of your local building department. Also check that the following clauses are clearly stated therein:

An estimate of the starting and completion dates. The responsibility of the contractor to obtain all required permits. The exact cost of the project and the payment schedule that states if any advance payment is required, and at what stages the balance payments are to be made. The responsibilities of the contractor which include debris hauling and guarantees. Warranty on workmanship and materials offered including the full contact details of every entity (manufacturer, distributor, contractor) involved and the warranty period each entity provides. Rules for handling change orders, allowing changes to the original contract at a later stage, and about how it will affect the project schedule and cost. A comprehensive list of all raw materials and products that will be used and their specifications including size, color and brand name (if applicable).

Payments

Check for the following before making the final payment:

All work (including polishing, sealing, varnishing) is as per your satisfaction. All materials are as per the standards of the contract. Proof that all entities involved (suppliers, distributors, subcontractors) have been paid by the contractor in order to avoid any lien on your property placed by the supplier or contractor.

If you face any problem after the full and final payment, ask your contractor to visit your house, inspect it and get it resolved. On non-compliance or unsatisfactory action on the part of your contractor you may contact the consumer protection cell, the Builders Association or the Remodelers Council of your locality or state. You can also approach the Better Business Bureau or a dispute resolution body of your locality. If your local newspaper has a consumer protection service they would publish your story and initiate necessary compensatory action.

Ganka Vasileva has a website that she has dedicated to helping people make an informed and educated decision when dealing with kitchen remodeling. For more specific information about kitchen contractors check out her website at Tips on hiring kitchen remodeling contractors.

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Find the Best Roofing Contractor for Your Home

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The first step in finding the perfect roofing contractor for your home is to decide–or have a sense of–what kind of new roof you want. Do you want to simply replace the roof you’ve got with the same asphalt shingles? Or are you interested in trying a new material, such as metal, ceramic, slate or something more unusual, such as a planted “green” roof? Whatever your choice, you’ll want to find a roofing contractor who specializes in the materials that appeal to you.

If you’ve seen roofs that you like in your neighborhood or town, don’t be shy about asking the homeowner who did the job and perhaps how much the roofing job cost. Asking friends, family, and others for recommendations is a good way to start your search. Professional builder and contractor organizations are another good resource.

Bidding Your Roof Project
Conduct quick telephone interviews with each of the contractors on your list. Check their availability, whether they’re licensed and insured, and willing to provide a client list. Once you’ve narrowed your list to three or four contractors, you can begin asking for written price estimates to determine roofing costs. Be sure that contractors specify what grade of materials they plan to use and what kind of warranty is offered, so you’re able to compare apples to apples.

Bids should include the cost of materials, labor, and all other expenses, as well as profits. Materials generally account for 40 percent of the total bill; profits are typically between 15 and 20 percent.

Check your top contender’s references and make a couple of quick calls to your local Better Business Bureau and your state’s consumer protection organization to ensure the contractor doesn’t have a history of upset customers.

Kelli Smith is the editor for HomeImprovement411.org. For home improvement information and to find a home improvement contractor near you visit www.HomeImprovement.org.

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How to Find a Great Contractor for Your Basement Remodel

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Remodeling your basement is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to add living space to your home. It’s such a popular way to upgrade one’s home, many contractors specialize in basement remodeling. These contractors are skilled at dealing with moisture, as well as how to best take advantage of natural light–and add artificial light–to make your basement a cozy and inviting place to spend time.

The first step in finding a basement contractor is to talk to people who’ve remodeled their basements. If you like what they’ve done, ask for a reference. Get a sense of the contractor’s work by asking about how much the job cost, how long it took, and did your friend communicate well with the contractor? Professional builder and contractor associations provide another good resource for recommendations.

Important Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Basement Contractor
Narrow your list of basement contractor prospects by conducting quick telephone interviews. Ask about the contractor’s availability, whether they’re licensed and bonded, and are they’re willing to provide a client list of references. Once you’ve got a short list of three or four top candidates, you can begin seeking cost estimates.

Ask contractors to be specific in their bids and include the grades of materials and labor costs, as well as profits. Expect materials to make up 40 percent of the bill and 15 to 20 percent to be profit.  

Call references and contact your local Better Business Bureau, as well as your sate’s consumer protection agency to inquire whether the contractors you’re considering have had any complaints filed against them. Your due diligence will pay off.

Kelli Smith is the editor for HomeImprovement411.org. For home improvement information and to find a home improvement contractor near you visit www.HomeImprovement.org.

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How to Find a Contractor

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How to Find a Contractor

Everyone has heard horror stories of contactor projects gone wrong. There are many contractors dedicated to the highest standards and committed to the success of individual projects. Finding a qualified professional contractor for a home improvement project doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By following the guidelines stated below, you will help ensure that the selection process is easier and that you are prepared to make an informed decision.

Where to Find a Contractor:



Get referrals from friends and family. They are the best place to start because they will give honest feedback about the contractor’s performance. Before rushing into a job, make sure the referred company has experience with the project. For example, some contractors may be experts in kitchens and baths but lack experience in building new additions.
Use online resources that provide certifications and references from previous jobs. Also, contractors listed with online sites show that they take pride in their business
Ask for referrals from engineers and architects. They work with contractors everyday and know the industry very well.
Source multiple bids. It is always a good idea to speak to as many contractors as possible. This will not only help you find the best person for the job, but will also ensure that you are being charged appropriately.
Avoid using the yellow pages and bulletin board ads.

What to Ask For:



When you think you have found a good contractor, ask for their credentials. They should be bonded and insured (general liability and worker’s compensation). Ask for the name of their insurance agency, look up the number yourself, call the insurer and ask for a copy of the Certificate of Insurance.
Ask for the contractor’s portfolio and references. Keep in mind that a contractor will probably only show you their favorable work and comments.
Call the local Better Business Bureau and make sure no complaints have been filed against the contractor.
Find out how long the contractor has been in business and how long they have worked with their crew.
Find out if the contractor will be working on simultaneous projects. If working on multiple jobs, will they be able to devote enough time to your project.

When Starting Negotiations:



Begin by making a list of projects that need to be completed. Then do research online to find out the average cost of that job. Make sure the jobs done fit into your budget and make allowances for unforeseen situations.
Create and sign a contract. Make sure to include the following:

§ Completion date. Some contractors do not like completion dates because weather can be unpredictable. Take into consideration their concerns and come up with a reasonable completion date.

§ Budget: be sure to take into consideration overages that might occur due to unforeseen situations.

§ Negotiate terms, for example: 30 percent up front, 40 percent due at mid point, 20 percent due upon completion, and 10 percent due upon inspection.



Federal law requires a contractor to give you written notice of your right to, without penalty, cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.
You may also want to consider a binding arbitrations clause, which may enable you to resolve disputes without litigation.
Also consider a warranty, which may cover materials and workmanship. The warranty must be identified as either “full” or “limited.” You must include the name or the party that will insure the warranty, as well as, the period of time the warranty is guaranteed.

Remodeling your home should be an enjoyable experience. Make sure you follow the steps above, leverage online resources that certify online contactors, and ensure that they are experts in their field.

Kim Johnson contributes to a professional services directory dedicated to helping you find your next home improvement contractor or home improvement maintenance. Find out more about certified contractors at http://contractors.clicksmart.com.

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How to Find the Best Contractor

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It’s finally time to tackle that big home improvement project you’ve always wanted to do. Or, you might have waited so long, now you need to do the project. Which leads to your first question – “Where do I start?”

Well, the truth is… some jobs are simply too big, too complicated, or require too much time to handle on your own. Whether it’s remodeling a kitchen, installing gutters, or electrical rewiring for your business – you’ll likely need an expert.

A contractor, or subcontractor, can be your ‘knight in shining armor’ when it comes to completing your project. But, wait… you’ve heard so many horror stories connected with “shady contractors” that you’re starting to re-think this re-model. But statistics show that the huge majority of contractors out there are honest, hard-working professionals. Most people are happy with any improvement project they undertake.

“Fine,” you say. “How can I protect myself and make sure I find a great contractor?” I’m glad you asked. Here are some standard tips you can follow to make sure your repair, remodel, or installation goes well:

Got License? Most states require that a contractor have a license to operate in that state. Once you find a contractor, check to see if he or she has a local contracting license to do the job. Check out our Resources Page for the State Licensing Board for your state requirements.
Check References – get at least three references from satisfied clients. And if you want to get really fanatical, go to the contractor’s current job site. See if the site is messy. Are the workers taking care of the property?
Get Bids – if you have the luxury, get multiple bids from several contractors. Don’t always assume that the lowest bid is the best, because that contractor may be desperate for work or might cut corners on the job. But if you get contractor’s from several sources, you could get a really great deal.
Get it in Writing – the days of the “handshake deal” are far behind us. Get a detailed contract together and throw everything in (even if the project doesn’t involve the kitchen sink!) The more you clarify, the fewer headaches you’ll have if things go wrong.
Do You Take a Check? Don’t ever pay in cash. Can you say, “Proof of payment”? I thought you could… Keep logs of all payments (for example – 10% down, 20% by one date, another 20% by another date, final payment when work is complete) and pay with check or credit card only.

“Wait a minute!” you protest, “That sounds like a lot of work!” Sure it does. Because it is a lot of work. If you think a renovation or remodeling job is expensive, imagine having to pay for it twice! Do your homework and you’ll avoid being a horror story.

“Are there any warning signs of a bad contractor?” you ask. Boy, you sure do ask a lot of questions. And that’s good. Always ask a lot of questions. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to handle the unexpected.

Okay, these are signs a contractor might not be your best choice:

If required by the state, your contractor doesn’t want to show you his or her license. Or won’t give you references. Or you two don’t get along. Keep in mind: this person may be in your home, working side-by-side with you, for several months – you’d better get along!
Your contractor wants you to pay for the entire project… up front. Run for the hills.
Your contractor has a “friend” in the financing business that can get you a “good deal” on a loan for your project. You’ll end up with a huge “2nd mortgage” at a ridiculously “high rate” and your “contractor” just got a juicy “commission” on the deal.
Your contractor doesn’t have a business address, a business card, and it looks like the contractor sleeps in his or her pickup truck. Run really fast for those hills.

Okay. Now that you know about the warning sign. And here are some signs you may have found a really good contractor:

The contractor has at least 4 to 5 years experience. It shows they can manage their business and complete their projects.
The contractor has insurance. Liability and worker’s compensation are the most important types of coverage to make sure everyone is covered.
The contractor has more than references – he or she may even carry a book of photos showing past work projects that have been completed.
The contractor provides cost breakdowns for the job. These breakdowns show specific details of what the project will cost to complete.
The contractor is flexible. Communicate all your requirements and specifications for the project. Whether you two decide that you want to supervise the work or you want to let the contractor make all the decisions, your contractor will be flexible enough to work with you.

“Okay, am I ready?” Yes, now you’re ready to hire a professional to help get your home or business improvement project off the ground. One of the best ways to protect yourself is the act of due diligence. Webster’s defines due diligence as: “The care that a prudent person might be expected to exercise in the examination and evaluation of risks affecting a business transaction.” In simplified terms – Do your homework. And you’ll do just fine.

Have fun and make the most out of your experience. Don’t forget to return to www.ConstructionDeal.com when it’s time for your next residential or commercial improvement, repair, or remodeling job. And send us  your “Before and After” pictures!

Tim Clark

Marketing Director

Construction Deal, Inc.

818-657-8002

866-663-4711

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