Hiring The Right Contractor

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Hiring The Right Home Improvement Pro

Whether you’re planning an addition for a growing family or simply getting yard work, painting, or new windows, hiring a
qualified and dependable contractor is step one to any successful home improvement project.

Your home is one of your most valuable financial assets and it is important to be cautious when you hire someone to work on
it. Home improvement, repair, and maintenance contractors advertise in newspapers, phone book, radio and on television, but
don’t consider an advertisement an indication of the quality of a contractor’s work. Word of mouth references from friends,
neighbors, or co-workers who you trust and who have had work done by a contractor, or some kind of a referral source or
network is something you could rely on.

Gather estimates from several reputable contractors before making a decision to hire one. If there is a large variance in pricing
between the estimates, don't be afraid to ask a contractor to explain the difference in price. They could possibly use different
products, they may have more overhead or "man hours" to pay for, or a number of other factors, but no matter the reason
make sure you find out so that you are making an informed decision on who you hire. Keep in mind that investing a great deal
of money into something, such as buying a car or a home is an emotional time, people buy on emotion. Same goes here, just be
sure that you do not hire someone based on emotion or on a "feeling", always stay informed. Another thing to keep in mind is
not to always choose the lowest bidder, remember that this is your home that is being worked on and that you sometimes "get
what you pay for".

Home Improvement Contractors, Handymen & Other Pros

Depending on your projects size and complexity, you have a choice to hire a variety of home improvement pros:

General Contractors manage and oversee all aspects of your project, including hiring and supervising subcontractors,
getting building permits, and scheduling inspections. They also work with architects and designers.
Speciality Contractors only install certain products, such as windows, roofing, or siding They also work with and
apply certain products or areas such as painters, plumbers, electricians, etc...
Architects design homes, home additions, and major home renovations. If your project includes changes to the
structure, you should consider hiring an architect who specializes in home remodeling.
Designers are responsible for coming up with the perfect look & design in specific areas of the home, they specialize in
areas of your home such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Design/Build Contractors provide one-stop services. They oversee your project from the beginning until the
completion. Some construction companies have an architect on their staff; some out source one, and others use certified
designers, still qualified for the work.
Handymen are your typical jack of all trades, or possibly specialize is certain areas. Often times they do not have
licensing or insurance, be sure that they do or at least that they are reputable with references. A handyman is fine to hire
for smaller jobs around the house that would not have much impact on your homes overall value, just in case. A
handyman will have a lower cost than a licensed professional, but again this is buyer beware and at your discretion.

Don’t Get 'Screwed'

Not all contractors operate legally. Here are some tips to potential CON-tractors. Here are some things to look out for:

solicits door-to-door or through a phone call
they offer you "discounts" on your project for referring other customers
just happens to have materials left over from a previous job
only accepts cash payments (this may be acceptable with a handyman for smaller jobs, but use discretion)
they ask you to get the required building permits
they don't list a business name and number in the local telephone directory (again, unless they are a handyman)
tells you your job will be a "demonstration"
pressures for an immediate decision, remember no emotional decisions here!
they offer exceptionally long guarantees, not to be confused with some reputable companies warranty's.
they ask you to pay for the entire job up-front (most contractors ask for a deposit, up to 50% and the rest after the
successful completion)
suggests that you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows. Not only is this a conflict of interest, you could
lose your home through a home improvement loan scam.

Interviewing a Contractor

Interview each contractor that you’re considering. Take notes of some questions that you would like to ask them. Here are
some questions we suggest you ask:

Are you licensed and registered with the state? While most states license electrical and plumbing contractors, only
36 states have some type of licensing and registration statutes affecting contractors, remodelers, and/or specialty
contractors. The licensing can range from simple registration to a detailed qualification process. Also, the licensing
requirements in one locality may be different from the requirements in the rest of the state. Check with your local
building department or consumer protection agency to find out about licensing requirements in your area. If your state
has licensing laws, ask to see the contractor’s license. Make sure it’s current.

How long have you been in business? Look for a well-established company and check it out with consumer protection
officials. They can tell you if there are unresolved consumer complaints on file. One caveat: No record of complaints
against a particular contractor doesn't necessarily mean no previous consumer problems. It may be that problems exist,
but have not yet been reported, or that the contractor is doing business under several different names.

How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year? Ask for a list. This will help you determine how
familiar the contractor is with your type of project.

Will my project require a permit? Most states and localities require permits for building projects, even for simple jobs
like decks. A competent contractor will get all the necessary permits before starting work on your project. Be suspicious
if the contractor asks you to get the permit(s). It could mean that the contractor is not licensed or registered, as required
by your state or locality.

May I have a list of references? The contractor should be able to give you the names, addresses, and phone numbers
of at least three clients who have projects similar to yours. Ask each how long ago the project was completed and if you
can see it. Also, tell the contractor that you’d like to visit jobs in progress.

Will you be using subcontractors on this project? If yes, ask to meet them, and make sure they have current
insurance coverage and licenses, if required. Also ask them if they were paid on time by this contractor. A "mechanic’s
lien" could be placed on your home if your contractor fails to pay the subcontractors and suppliers on your project. That
means the subcontractors and suppliers could go to court to force you to sell your home to satisfy their unpaid bills
from your project. Protect yourself by asking the contractor, and every subcontractor and supplier, for a lien release or
lien waiver.

What types of insurance do you carry? Contractors should have personal liability, worker’s compensation, and
property damage coverage. Ask for copies of insurance certificates, and make sure they’re current. Avoid doing
business with contractors who don’t carry the appropriate insurance. Otherwise, you’ll be held liable for any injuries and
damages that occur during the project.

Checking References
Talk with some of the remodeler’s former customers. They can help you decide if a particular contractor is right for you. You
may want to ask:

Can I visit your home to see the completed job? This Question is good to ask if you are comfortable asking it, and if
the other person is fine with you going to their home, just the simple fact that they agreed to you coming to their home
adds credibility to their reference. If you should decide to still go to their home to look at the work is up to you and the
other person, but if you do look over the work very well and imagine if you would be satisfied.

Were you satisfied with the project? Was it completed on time? If they are happy with the work completed then
the job was obviously completed without any problems, or at least the problems were taken care of before the work was
complete. If the work was completed on time then this tells you that if you have any time constraints for your project,
you as well should not have any problems with this contractor meeting your deadline. Keep in mind though that each
project is unique in it's own way.

Did the contractor keep you informed about the status of the project, and any problems along the way?
Communication is key, and a good contractor will communicate everything with you along the way. After all you are not
only putting a home improvement project in the hands of this contractor, you are putting your home and investment into
his hands as well. A good contractor will keep you informed and free from any confusion or anxiety.

Were there unexpected costs? If so, what were they? This is a good question to ask. The integrity of a contractor is
very important. Once the costs are laid out on the table you would not expect to have any further amendments to the bill.
In some situations an unforeseen situation may arise where a contractor will come across something in the process of
his work out of his control adding an additional cost, but all other costs told up front for materials, labor, and equipment
should not change at all, or at least not too much.

Did workers show up on time? Did they clean up after finishing the job? You want to be sure that your contractor
and the people working with him are reliable and responsible. I would not like knowing that people are coming and going
as they please and leaving messes behind them in my home, would you? Your contractor should communicate with you
the start and end time for each working day and at the end of any working day any messes should be cleaned and your
home should be free from any safety hazards.

Would you recommend the contractor? From one homeowner to another, nobody is going to allow you to put your
home in the hands of someone who is not competent. If they recommend this contractor with confidence and without
any hesitation in their response, than this is a comforting answer.

Would you use the contractor again? If they are willing to use this same contractor in the future for another project
than this should tell you that they are 100% satisfied with the work and confident that the contractor can not only get the
job done, but that they can get it done the right way, the way you want it done!

Understanding Your Payment Options

You have several payment options for most home improvement and maintenance and repair projects. For example, you can get
your own loan or ask the contractor to arrange financing for larger projects. For smaller projects, you may want to pay by
check or credit card. Avoid paying cash. Whatever option you choose, be sure you have a reasonable payment schedule and a
fair interest rate. Here are some additional tips:

Try to limit your down payment. Some state laws limit the amount of money a contractor can request as a down
payment. Contact your state or local consumer agency to find out what the law is in your area.

Try to make payments during the project contingent upon completion of a defined amount of work. This way, if the
work is not proceeding according to schedule, the payments also are delayed.

Don’t make the final payment or sign an affidavit of final release until you are satisfied with the work and know that the
subcontractors and suppliers have been paid. Lien laws in your state may allow subcontractors and/or suppliers to file a
mechanic’s lien against your home to satisfy their unpaid bills. Contact your local consumer agency for an explanation of
lien laws where you live.

Some state or local laws limit the amount by which the final bill can exceed the estimate, unless you have approved the
increase. Check with your local consumer agency.

If you have a problem with merchandise or services that you charged to a credit card, and you have made a good faith
effort to work out the problem with the seller, you have the right to withhold from the card issuer payment for the
merchandise or services. You can withhold payment up to the amount of credit outstanding for the purchase, plus any
finance or related charges.

The "Home Improvement" Loan Scam

A contractor calls or knocks on your door and offers to install a new roof or remodel your kitchen at a price that sounds
reasonable. You tell him you’re interested, but can’t afford it. He tells you it’s no problem — he can arrange financing through
a lender he knows. You agree to the project, and the contractor begins work. At some point after the contractor begins, you are
asked to sign a lot of papers. The papers may be blank or the lender may rush you to sign before you have time to read what
you've been given to sign. You sign the papers. Later, you realize that the papers you signed are a home equity loan. The
interest rate, points and fees seem very high. To make matters worse, the work on your home isn't done right or hasn't been
completed, and the contractor, who may have been paid by the lender, has little interest in completing the work to your
satisfaction.

Protect Yourself
You can protect yourself from inappropriate lending practices. Here’s how.

DO NOT -

Agree to a home equity loan if you don’t have enough money to make the monthly payments.
Sign any document you haven’t read or any document that has blank spaces to be filled in after you sign.
Let anyone pressure you into signing any document.
Deed your property to anyone. First consult an attorney, a knowledgeable family member, or someone else you trust.
Agree to financing through your contractor without shopping around and comparing loan terms.

Getting a Written Contract

Contract requirements vary by state. Even if your state does not require a written agreement, ask for one. A contract spells out
the who, what, where, when and cost of your project. The agreement should be clear, concise and complete. Before you sign a
contract, make sure it contains:

The contractor’s name, address, phone, and license number, if required.

The payment schedule for the contractor, subcontractors and suppliers.

An estimated start and completion date.

The contractor’s obligation to obtain all necessary permits.

How change orders will be handled. A change order — common on most remodeling jobs — is a written authorization to
the contractor to make a change or addition to the work described in the original contract. It could affect the project’s
cost and schedule. Remodelers often require payment for change orders before work begins.

A detailed list of all materials including color, model, size, brand name, and product.

Warranties covering materials and workmanship. The names and addresses of the parties honoring the warranties —
contractor, distributor or manufacturer — must be identified. The length of the warranty period and any limitations also
should be spelled out.

What the contractor will and will not do. For example, is site clean-up and trash hauling included in the price? Ask for a
"broom clause." It makes the contractor responsible for all clean-up work, including spills and stains.

Oral promises also should be added to the written contract.

A written statement of your right to cancel the contract within three business days if you signed it in your home or at a
location other than the seller’s permanent place of business. During the sales transaction, the salesperson (contractor)
must give you two copies of a cancellation form (one to keep and one to send back to the company) and a copy of your
contract or receipt. The contract or receipt must be dated, show the name and address of the seller, and explain your
right to cancel.

Keeping Records

Keep all paperwork related to your project in one place. This includes copies of the contract, change orders and
correspondence with your home improvement professionals. Keep a log or journal of all phone calls, conversations and
activities. You also might want to take photographs as the job progresses. These records are especially important if you have
problems with your project — during or after construction.

Completing the Job: A Checklist

Before you sign off and make the final payment, use this checklist to make sure the job is complete. Check that:

All work meets the standards spelled out in the contract.
You have written warranties for materials and workmanship.
You have proof that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid.
The job site has been cleaned up and cleared of excess materials, tools and equipment.
You have inspected and approved the completed work.

Where to Complain

If you have a problem with your home improvement project, first try to resolve it with the contractor. Many disputes can be
resolved at this level. Follow any phone conversations with a letter you send by certified mail. Request a return receipt. That’s
your proof that the company received your letter. Keep a copy for your files.
If you can’t get satisfaction, consider contacting the following organizations for further information and help:

State and local consumer protection offices.
Your state or local Builders Association and/or Remodelors Council.
Your local Better Business Bureau.
Action line and consumer reporters. Check with your local newspaper, TV, and radio stations for contacts.
Local dispute resolution programs.

For More Information
• Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov
• National Association of Home Builders Remodelors™ Council: www.nahb.com

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Hiring The Right Contractor