How To Deal With Contractors
By John Mussi, Fri Dec 9th

Not everyone is aware of how to deal with contractors. Imaginethat your Home Improvement Loan has been granted. What do you donext? Do you rush out and find the first available contractorand offer them your cash? Not a good move.

Whether you're planning an addition for a growing family orsimply getting new double-glazed windows, finding a competentand reliable contractor is the first step to a successful andsatisfying home improvement project. Take your time to considerall your options. Do not rush into any agreement that you maylater regret.

Your home may be your most valuable financial asset. That's whyit's important to be cautious when you hire someone to work onit. Home improvement contractors often advertise in newspapersor the Yellow Pages. However, don't consider an advert to be anindication of the quality of a contractor's work. Your best betis to find a contractor that has been used successfully byfriends, family or colleagues. Get written estimates fromseveral firms. Don't automatically choose the lowest bidder.

Above all, be wary of contractors who will:

solicit door-to-door offer you discounts for finding othercustomers

just happens to have materials left over from a previous job

only accept cash payments

does not list a business number in the local telephone directory

pressure you for an immediate decision

offer exceptionally long guarantees

ask you to pay for the entire job up-front

Interview each contractor and ask:

How long have you been in business? How many projects like minehave you completed?

Will my project require a permit?

May I have a list of references? Will you be usingsubcontractors on this project?

What types of insurance do you carry?

Talk with some of the contractor's former customers and ask:

Can I visit your home to see the completed job?

Were you satisfied with the project?

Was it completed on time? Did workers show up on time?

Did they clean up after finishing the job?

Would you recommend the contractor? Would you use the contractoragain?

You should not start any project without having a contact inplace. A contract spells out the, who, what, where, when andcost of your project. The agreement should be clear, concise andcomplete. Before you sign a contract, make sure it contains:

The contractor's name, address, phone nubmer

The payment schedule for the contractor

An estimated start and completion date

How change orders will be handled

A detailed list of all materials

Warranties covering materials and workmanship

What the contractor will and will not do

Keep all paperwork related to your project in one place. Thisincludes copies of the contract, change orders andcorrespondence with your home improvement professionals. Youalso might want to take photographs as the job progresses. Theserecords are especially important if you have problems with yourproject — during or after construction.

Before you sign off and make the final payment check that:

All work meets the standards spelled out in the contract. Youhave written warranties for materials and workmanship.

The job site has been cleaned up and cleared of excessmaterials, tools and equipment.

You have inspected and approved the completed work.

You may freely reprint this article provided the author'sbiography remains intact:

About the author:John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UKhomeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.