I’ve been working on some new resources for homeowners, and have been thinking about a basic checklist for homeowners to follow during the process.
Contractor Hiring Process Checklist
1. Receive at least three estimates on your project
2. Ask each contractor the same questions, and give them the same project parameters to get the most accurate and comparable estimates
3. Verify professional licenses
4. Ask for and check references
5. Do a background check through the Better Business Bureau, or another agency.
6. Verify Insurance and Bonding
7. Make sure you are given a contract, and make sure all parties agree to and sign it.
To me these are the essential parts of the hiring process for homeowners. Not doing these things can mean disastrous results and a frustrating process. Everyone has heard horror stories about contractor fraud, and to avoid it, it’s very important for homeowners to take the time to consider a checklist like this.
Can anyone think of anything I’m missing? Or is this a good bare basics summary of essentials that all homeowners need to consider?
Also, there are persons that say they are contractors but they have never been tested or do not have the license as a individual. In Ca. for instance a person claims they are a General Contrator..but they pay for the license thru whats called a RMO..managing owner.he has passed the test…the RMO has the license in LLC or Corporation form. The RMO is allowed by the sate to let 3 individuals use HIS license.But this poses huge proplems. Many that are registered as contractors within these guidelines are not qualified at all…can not read English,can not write English,do not know how to read drawings and do not understand codes..nothing..They just under estimate jobs to get the work and then the client is stuck with them. I have helped some very very disappointed home owners after they hiried a person that has a card that says they are “Owners or CEO, or President od a building/Remodeling company..they are so not qualified..What out for that..Get to the License Board @ Sacramento and check them out..Do not just think they are good if they appear on a license as a personal listed person. If its corporate or LLC..ask for their personal info..ask them to read and write English and ask the qustions about reading dreawings and plans..ask for a person to call as reference that is not relatives..Be careful, these persons are like theives..Very,very smart and deceiving..
Only hire “sole” propriators or individual licensed persons..FYI
What type of contract should a homeowner expect to sign with a contractor for an extensive remodeling job.
I got an estimate from a contractor and they included a “Cost Plus” type of contract along with a project estimate. (This was in the $140,000 price range.)
Is a cost plus contract the norm or are there other types of contracts?
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Good advice!!
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