HIRING A
CONTRAC OR
REAL
Taking on a home remodeling project is an enormous
responsibility. If done properly, a construction project can
preserve or even add to your home’s value; if things go
wrong, there’s a lot on the line.
Do your research
It’s always great to get a glowing
recommendation from a friend or family
member. Even then, it’s important to do a
careful evaluation of the contractor to be sure
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and requirements.
Read objective reviews on third-party
websites, staying alert for fake reviews.
Online reviews should never be the totality of
your research on a contractor but can be a
good place to start.
Interview several contractors by phone,
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working with her subcontractors? Can you
speak to former clients for references or see
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references?
After phone interviews, interview your
short list of contractors in person. This Old
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contractor’s current job sites to be sure it’s
safe and orderly and that workers are careful
with the owner’s property.
Check with the Better Business Bureau to
be sure the contractor doesn’t have a history
of complaints for shoddy work or skipping
out on jobs. Check to see if the contractor is
a member of a state or local association of
builders.
Pay attention to service
When you conduct your interviews, pay
attention to how the contractor treats you.
Are your phone calls returned quickly? Is he
prepared with answers? Is he conscientious
about his work and reputation? Choose a
contractor who runs his business with the
same kind of care that you want brought to
your project.
Ask for a detailed contract
Insist on a contract that outlines the labor
and materials costs of your project in great
detail, as well as the schedule of payments.
The contract also should include proof of
liability insurance and worker’s compensation,
as well as lien releases, preventing
subcontractors from coming after you for
payment if the contractor doesn’t pay them.
The more detailed the contract, the better
30 | Property Lines: At Home edition 2017 | www.dailyastorian.com
ESTATE 101
Know the pros
The Federal Trade Commission offers the
following breakdown of the types of
contractors you might hire, depending on the
project.
General contractor: manages all aspects of a
project, including hiring and supervising
subcontractors, getting building permits, and
scheduling inspections.
Specialty contractor: installs particular
products, such as cabinets and bathroom
fixtures.
Architect: designs homes, additions, and major
renovations — especially ones involving
structural changes.
Designer or design/build contractor: provides
both services.
you will be able to get a grasp of the costs of
each part of your project and know how any
changes you make later on will affect the total
cost.
See what your state law says about
how contractors should be paid, and get a
payment schedule in writing as part of the
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percent payment when the contract is signed,
three payments of 25 percent evenly spaced
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satisfaction.