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Home & Garden Articles
Framing-Do It Yourself Or Hire It Out?
Fri 02 Feb 2007 - 19:47
Framing-Do It Yourself Or Hire It Out?
By Mark Bay
If framing isn't something you think you can tackle, then hiring a qualified contractor is an option. But contractor fraud is common and there are many unscrupulous contractors out there. Avoid contractors who show up at your door without your invitation. Ask your neighbors and friends if they have heard of good reputable contractors. Referrals are often best because someone else has experience with their character and work.
Really the vast majority of home contractors are hardworking, honest, reputable small-business owners who work hard to make sure that they do high quality work, use good materials, and provide solid value at a reasonable cost. They are dedicated to your satisfaction and earnestly want to earn your recommendation. Many contractors are members of professional organizations or unions that actively work to weed out contractor scams and fraud. By doing your part to protect yourself, you can prevent getting taken by clever, manipulative contractors. Here are some guidelines.
Plan your project. Regardless of the size of your project, if you plan what you want done, you will be able to describe the project in greater detail. You will then get estimates that meet your requirements and reduce the possibility of cost overruns. It also helps to ensure that you will be able to make good estimate comparisons.
Get at least three written estimates. If there are large differences in price, get a detailed explanation as to why.
Check out the contractor. Obtain copies of their license, as well as liability and worker's comp insurance. Check the term of the insurance. If the insurance term is about to expire, get proof that the insurance has been continued. Call your state contractor's board and the Better Business Bureau to make sure their license is in good standing and to make sure there are no outstanding complaints or suits against them.
Check their references. Get names, addresses, and phone numbers and call several of them. You might also, ask the contractor for jobs in progress where you can see their workmanship.
Look out for these things. Be wary of any contractor who asks you to pick up permits, fails to answer questions about the work, its progress, the contract, or fails to provide a complete list of subcontractors with names and licenses. You need to know exactly who is on your job, and that they are licensed and insured. It's not uncommon for some contractors to subcontract work then not pay the sub. The subcontractor then files a "lien" against you. You could end up paying twice for the same work. Ask how cost over runs, clean up, and unexpected problems are handled. If something is damaged during construction, for example, the contractor should have a plan in place to make repairs or replacements.
Finally. Ask the contractor for a lien release. Make frequent inspections of the work in progress. Be sure all permits have been obtained and that inspections are in order.
Mark Bay has worked construction professionally and finished several basements over the years. He is the Co-owner of the Inspired Basements web site and enjoys seeing basement projects come together. He has authored many of the articles on http://www.inspiredbasements.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Bay
http://EzineArticles.com/?Framing-Do-It-Yourself-Or-Hire-It-Out?&id=438366
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