This is the year you're going all out. You're going to build a deck, add a
porch, erect a gazebo or lay a patio. You've done the research. Its well within
your capability and you're looking forward to the satisfaction of creating a
structure of beauty.
Or not. Yes -- you'd like to proceed with an outdoor structure but for you, it
isn't a do-it-yourself project. How can you find the right person to do it for
you Here are 10 tips for hiring and working with a contractor.
1. Plan your project carefully. Clip pictures, make sketches, write a
description. This will help you accurately convey to the contractor what you
want the finished product to be.
2. Make a list of contractors. Ask your neighbors or friends for the names of
reputable tradesmen. Contact material suppliers -- lumberyards, for example --
and ask for recommendations.
3. Get at least three written bids for the project, but don't give in to the
temptation to automatically accept the lowest bid. A higher bid may be worth the
price in better materials, workmanship and reliability. If you get a very low
bid, the contractor may have made a mistake or forgotten to bid on everything
you wanted. If they have deliberately low-bid, they may use cheaper materials or
take shortcuts to make a profit.
4. Many states and provinces require registration and/or licensing. For the
USA, www.nationalcontractors.com provides a starting point for your state and
type of construction. Click on Verify Contractors License. If licenses are
required in your jurisdiction, be certain to ask to see your contractors
licenses and be sure that its not expired.
5. Ask for references and then check them out. Look at the projects and ask
the previous clients if they are satisfied with the quality of work done, if it
was started and completed on schedule and if it is complete.
6. Get a signed, written contract and be sure you understand it. The
Construction Contractors Board of Oregon claims that the single biggest cause of
homeowner-contractor disputes is the written contract: not having one, having a
poor one, or having one everyone ignores. A good contract should include:
The company name, address not a post office box & phone number, the name
of the builder, contractor and license number, if applicable
A detailed project description
A materials list
A statement that all necessary permits and inspections are the
responsibility of the contractor
Starting and completion dates
Warranties of workmanship, the length of the warranty, and specifically
what's covered and what's not
Contractors guarantee that he carries liability insurance and workers
compensation coverage
A statement that clean-up will be done by the contractor
The total price and payment schedule
Be wary of hourly, time and materials or cost-plus pricing where the
final price is not determined until completion of the project. Although it
may seem higher, a fixed price may give you the best protection and price.
Be cautious about upfront payments for more than 15% of the contract
price.
The schedule and criteria for each installment should be clearly defined
in the contract.
Any installments should be not be required on a certain date, but
correlated to work completion.
Do not pay cash. A reputable builder will ask for a check.
7. Make any changes to the project in writing with a "work order change" to
avoid misunderstandings and surprises.
8. Keep pets and children away from the construction site. This will ensure
not only their safety, but also that of the workers. In addition, it helps keep
the project on schedule.
9. Inspect the work regularly.
10. Pay directly and promptly according to the contract.
Above all, you should feel comfortable communicating with your contractor. If
you sense he is being evasive when you are getting a quote, it wont get any
better during the construction period. Find someone you understand and who
understands you, and who is open and forthright.
Working with a contractor takes a little preparation, but following these
steps is well worth it. Are you looking forward to your new outdoor space.
About The Author
Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping
people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Visit her on
the web at
www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on
“Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space”.
How to Hire the Right
Home Building Contractor - Know what questions to Ask!
New Home Construction Bid Sheet
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