Timely Tips for Hiring Remodelers Red Flags For Identifying the Unprofessional Remodeler Doesn’t have a license or insurance. All remodelers should be able to demonstrate evidence of both. Doesn’t write contracts. Without a clear written plan, it’s difficult to know what work you are both agreeing to complete. Expectations should be agreed to in writing. Requires payment in full prior to starting the job. It’s reasonable for your contractor to ask for payment up front to purchase materials for your job. Shady contractors demand full payment and may leave with the money. Vastly underbids other contractors. If a bid is way lower than everyone else’s it may indicate inexperience or a method of cutting costs that severely affects quality. Cannot provide references. Professional remodelers will always be able to provide the names and phone numbers of past customers. How to Evaluate A Home Remodeler’s References
16 JUNE 2011
PARADE OF HOMES
Before you sign a contract with a home remodeler, ask them to share with you the names and phone numbers of customers they have worked with in the past. Here are several questions to ask the previous customers: ( .,=6+ 2,= @>#) ?@>! -,0?#4-?,# 4"4>0/ ( '>+ ?@) #)3,+)6)# 34>0?4>0 4 0)4? 40+ -6)40 ;,1 !>?)/ .4! 466 +)1#>! @4=6)+ 4842 >0 4 ?>3)62 $4!@>,0/ ( '>+ ?@) -,0?#4-?,# 9))& 641,# 40+ 34?)#>46 +)642! ?, 4 3>0>3=3 !, ?@4? 2,=# ;,1 84! !?4#?)+ 40+ -,3&6)?)+ ,0 ?>3) 40+ 8>?@>0 1=+")?/ ( .)#) ?@)2 )4!2 ?, 8,#9 8>?@/ '>+ ?@)2 9))& 2,= >0$,#3)+ 4! ?@) ;,1 &#,"#)!!)+/ ( '>+ ?@) #)3,+)6)# !=&&62 2,= 8>?@ &4&)#8,#9 ,0 4 ?>3)62 14!>!/ ( 7,8 8)66 +>+ ?@) -,0?#4-?,# 8,#9 8>?@ 2,= ,0 &#,16)3! ?@4? 4#,!)/ Final Questions to ask yourself before you make the decision: ( ( ( ( ( (
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