Hiring a Contractor to Repair Damage From Irene or to Add Accessibility (Part 1 of 3)

Hopefully, most of the people reading this blog do not need a contractor de to damage from Irene.  If you do or if you are just thinking of doing some remodeling, these tips can help you find the right contractor. 

Whether you’re completing a small interior job or adding an additional room to your house, finding the right contractor for the job is the key to success. Here are 7 steps to help you avoid scams and frauds when hiring a contractor:

1. Make a list. Before you talk to a contractor think carefully about the changes you want to make to your home. Write down exactly what you want the contractor to do.
2. Get recommendations from family and friends. Talk with family, friends and neighbors about contractors they used. Find out if they were satisfied with the work, the price and the time it took to complete the job, and especially whether they would use the contractor again. Local hardware and home improvement stores can often make recommendations too.

Beware of the stranger that shows up at your house unannounced and says he can give you a good price because he has leftover materials from another job. This is rarely a good choice and could be a scam.

1. Check recommendations. Once you have a list of names, research them. The Better Business Bureau [www.bbb.org] and the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Protection Office [www.ftc.gov/bcp/consumer.shtm] can help you find out if there have been any complaints filed against a contractor or their company.
2. Compare contractors. Make sure the contractor does the kind of work you are interested in and check how long they have been in business. Ask for proof that they are licensed, bonded, and covered by workman’s compensation and liability insurance. Get references and check them out to make sure they are financially sound.
3. Get estimates. Meet with at least three contractors to discuss the job you want done and your budget. Estimates should detail the materials to be used, the labor charges, the start and end dates, and the total cost. Beware if the pricing seems too good to be true – it probably is.
4. Put it in writing. Make sure that everything you agreed to is in writing in a clear and detailed contract. Don't approve any plans unless you understand them. Never sign a contract with any blanks and get a copy of everything you sign. Take your time to make a decision and get a second opinion before you sign.

You can cancel a contract by sending a letter to the contractor within three business days, if the contract was signed in your home or somewhere other than the contractor's permanent place of business. Genuinely good deals will still be there tomorrow.

1. Don't pay the final bill until all the work is complete. Don't make your final payment until all the work is complete and you and any necessary local building authorities have inspected the work. Also be sure to get a written statement that the contractor has paid all of the subcontractors and suppliers.

Follow these 7 tips and you should have no troubles finding the contractor perfect for the job.

If you are looking to add some accessibility to your home so that you can stay there as long as possible and avoid a costly long term care facility then you may want to check this link for a Certified Age in Place contractor in our area.  CAPS

To learn more about home improvement, home design and what features make a home and neighborhood a great place to live, visit www.aarp.org/housing.