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Choosing
The Right Contractor To Hire
Hiring
the right contractor for a kitchen
remodel or any remodeling job can be a
very daunting task, or it can be as
simple as 1-2-3.
Possibly
the simplest way to find and hire a good
contractor is to ask your friends,
co-workers, and family for the name of
the contractor they have used and who
have provide excellent service.
In addition, ask your family,
friends, and co-workers what made the
experience positive.
Did the contractor finish the job
on time? Was there any extra cost once the job was completed?
Did the contractor handled
problems without any arguments?
Possible the number one question
you want to ask is whether this person
would hire the same contractor again.
Once
you have several recommendations, it’s
time to do some in-depth research.
You want to contact them by
either calling them or visiting their
office if they have one, or by visiting
their website.
You want to find out if the
contractor has all state and local
municipalities required licenses, if
they have any certifications from any
professional associations such as the
National Kitchen & Bath Association
(NKBA), the National Association of the
Remodeling Industry (NARI) or the
National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB).
Keep in mind that just because
the contractor states they are
certified, this doesn’t always mean
they are in good standing or that they
are speaking the truth.
Therefore, you must also verify
that the certifications are genuine.
You also want to check with the
Better Business Bureau in your area to
see if there have been any complaints
filed against the contractor.
You
want to narrow down the list and set up
meetings with each.
If you visit the NARI’s
website, you’ll find a list of
questions to ask any potential
contractors.
Communication is vital in finding
the right contractor, in that they
understand what you want and you
completely understand what they will
provide for the price that you both
agree upon, as well as the time it will
take to complete the project.
During
your interview with prospective
contractors, ask for a list of
references then call to verify the
references.
Once
you have chosen the right contractor for
the job, make sure you go over the
documents they have prepared for you.
Make sure that they include a
written agreement that details the bid
price, and payment schedule.
You also want to review the site
plan, and any change-order clause,
limited warranty and carefully read the
clause about dispute resolution.
In the paperwork, that you
receive there should also be a waiver of
lien.
This is vital as it prevents
subcontractors and suppliers from
placing a lien on your home should the
contractor you hire fail to pay their
invoices.
If all the paperwork is correct,
then go ahead and sign the contract.
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