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Whether a homeowner needs a leaking roof repaired or the bathroom completely remodeled, it pays to invest the time to select the best home repair contractor for the job. There are a number of considerations to think about before signing a home repair contract.
Ask friends and family members for home repair contractor referrals. If someone you know has had a satisfactory experience using a particular home repair contractor, odds are very high that you will too. Investigate any contractors under consideration for your repair job with the local Better Business Bureau to determine if they have a high rate of complaints against the company or unresolved legal actions spurred by shoddy or incomplete work.
When meeting with home repair contractors to get bids, be certain that everyone under consideration has the proper licensing to do contracting work. Using unlicensed contractors may be cheaper but ultimately puts the homeowner at severe legal and financial risk if anything goes wrong on the job or if there is an injury.
Find out how long the contractor has been in business, how many similar repair jobs they have done and if they are doing the work themselves or are planning on subcontracting the job out to other vendors, which may mean that you won't receive the quality of work you expect from the original contractor. Be as specific as possible with all potential contractors in your requirements for the necessary repairs, otherwise one contractor may come back with an artificially low bid because his calculations didn't include the same specifics as others who are bidding on the job.
Ask who will be supervising the repair project and what is a realistic timeframe for getting the job done as quickly as possible. Ask what sort of guarantees come with the quality of the workmanship as well as any warranties on the materials used for the project. Determine whether or not your project requires any building permits. The best home repair contractor will be willing to provide you with a written estimate, a liability of insurance certificate from his insurance company, a detailed written contract indicating the exact work to be done, along with start and completion dates, the timing and method of payments expected and any guarantees or warranties related to the work.
If the contractor requires a deposit when the contract is signed, make that deposit by check and be sure to get a receipt. Any payments made for labor or materials by cash puts you at risk of payment disputes after the project has begun or once the project has been completed.
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What is the best way to go about choosing and hiring a contractor for home repairs?
I am looking for a contractor to assist me with home repairs. How can I be sure that I am hiring a good one? Is there a way to check them out other than references?
Where online can I leave a rating for a residential contractor?
Where can I rate my home repair contractor online? I think he did a terrible job!
Independent Contractor?
form_title= Independent Contractor form_header= Hire an independent contractor to do work in your home. Please describe the repair in detail.*= _ [50] What is your budget?*= _ [50] How old is your home?*= _ [50]
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I am looking for a home repair contractor to fix my sprinklers. Do they generally have a special license to do repairs?
What traits needs to be kept in mind while choosing the Best Contractor for your Home Renovation?
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How much would it cost to put in a new deck at my Mount Vernon home in NY?
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What does licensed and insured mean for a home siding repair or replacement contractor?
Means he is legal with the state and if he screws up you can sue him.
What company will do home repair services in my area for less?
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What is a roofing contractor?
Roofing Services can extend the life of your roof and prevent costly future repairs and giving you the best looking roof. Roofing experts deliver quality products, workmanship and good old fashioned customer service to ensure you have the desired results.
Major Home Repair Contractor?
form_title=Major Home Repair Contractor form_header=9743 How would you categorize this project?*= () Interior () Both () Exterior Please choose what types of work will be included in this project. (Select all that apply)*= [] "Cabinets [] Carpentry-finish [] Concrete [] Countertops [] Decks, fencing and/or exterior structures [] Doors and windows [] Drywall [] Electrical [] Flooring [] Foundations [] Framing [] Heating and cooling [] Painting [] Plumbing [] Roofing [] Siding [] Tile [] Other [] Don't Know" How would you best describe this home project?*= () Major remodel () Major home repair project () Addition to home () Several small projects of varying nature () Other
How can I locate a reliable contractor to add a home addition to my house?
If you are looking for information on how can you locate a reliable contractor to add a home addition to your house, the best place to look for the information is on www.servicemagic.com
What does an insurance contractor do?
The job of a insurance contractor is to find you the best deal possible for your insurance needs. This could be anything from motorcycle to mobile home insurance.
