| Finding a Contractor |
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Your remodeling or building project is a major business transaction. Make sure that you are diligent when seeking a professional contractor for the project. A professional is honest. Integrity is a given. A professional readily admits to a mistake. He or she does not hesitate to tell you what will be done to correct the mistake. There are no excuses. A professional returns phone calls promptly. Twenty-four to 36 hours is a reasonable expectation. Because a contractor may be tied up on a job or in a meeting, instantaneous response is not always possible. When dealing with a pro, you rarely need to phone him or her. They have things under control and you know in advance what is supposed to happen. A professional contractor is considerate of your house, its furnishings and the grounds. He or she provides protection when work is in progress. Professionals notify you in advance of disruptions to utilities. This allows you plenty of time to prepare. Disruptions are generally timed so as to cause minimum disturbance to your lifestyle. A professional does not resort to 'special deals' in an effort to sell services. They do not need to use high pressure sales techniques. Their work, past record and reputation are enough to prove their value. A wise homeowner recognizes that quality comes with a price tag. Professionals pay great attention to detail. They take notes at meetings. Nothing is left to chance. Follow up is a constant driving force. A professional works hard to keep you abreast of developments. There generally are no surprises. Professionals know the value of clean job sites. A clean jobsite is a safe jobsite. Production takes place at a higher rate. Clean-up is done on a daily or regular basis. Provisions are employed to minimize and control the spread of dust. A professional only requests deposits for special order non-returnable items. A professional sometimes requests a deposit for other services or permits which are obtained prior to the start of work. These services, however, must be exclusive and for your benefit only. Professionals pre-order materials. They call ahead and readily make use of a supplier's free delivery policy. A professional plans ahead so that materials are on site when needed. A professional rarely has to resort to 'crisis management'. Professionals respond promptly to legitimate warranty or service calls. They do not push blame onto something or someone else. They simply correct the problem and get your life back to normal. A professional does everything possible to keep an appointment. They know you have adjusted your schedule in order to meet. However, things happen. If an appointment has to be rescheduled, a professional will give adequate notice. Professionals have all the necessary insurance and policies are up-to-date. In states that require licensing, professionals ensure that their licenses are kept current. Professionals provide a detailed description of the work they intend to do. There are rarely questions about who, what, when, where and why. A professional provides accurate start and completion dates. In the event of a change order during the course of work, a professional readjusts the completion date accordingly. The professional utilizes a contract that is clear and concise and it often includes an article that allows for a fair procedure to settle any disputes. Professionals possess a wide grasp of knowledge concerning building and remodeling techniques. They are experienced with best building practices, are aware of current building procedures, and future trends. A professional is often an active member of a trade association. A professional participates in seminars or other opportunities that provide for continuing education. Professionals provide you with countless references. These individuals can be readily reached and will tell you both the contractor's strengths and weaknesses. |