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Tips On Hiring A Good Contractor For Home Improvements
Thu 03 Jan 2008 - 10:32
Tips On Hiring A Good Contractor For Home Improvements
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Vanessa_A._Doctor]Vanessa A. Doctor
Embarking on a home renovation project helps to add up to the value of your home or property. When in the process of hiring a contractor, homeowners are encouraged to check requirements such as the validity of insurance, Workman's Compensation or other, bonding, licenses and other credentials from a prospective renovation contractor.
You also need to check out the references provided, and ask about recently completed projects similar to your own. Verifying out a home improvement contractor's credentials and references before making a decision is important to helping to ensure the contractor you hire would truly be the right one for you. It also helps to protect your investment by making sure a contractor's credentials are updated,to ensure that the home renovation project would be successful.
Never Hire A Contractor Unless You First Read The Contract
Contract requirements with home renovation contractors may vary from state to state. One aspect that is uniform regardless of where you live, is that verbal agreements are worthless should a dispute break out. Therefore, although a contract might not be required by law, do not hire a contractor without first obtaining a contract that outlines the project in specific detail.
The home improvement project contract should be signed by both parties, that is, the project owner and the contractor, or all parties involved if some aspects of the work will be sub-contracted, or services of another service provider professional should be required. A project contract should protect the interests of both the homeowner and the service provider. It should include the following:
- A clear, concise, and complete description of the project, from starting and completion dates.
- The project owner and contractor's name, physical address, mailing address, and phone, as well as the physical address of the project site, the insurance service provider information and the license number of the contractor, if required.
- Terms of payment schedule for the contractor, subcontractor, and suppliers.
- The project quote or estimate.
A Contractor Should Have Adequate Insurance And Other Credentials
A major requirement that every home improvement contractor with employees should have, is the provision of Workers' Compensation, which is a type medical insurance also known as "workers' comp." A sub-contractor hired by the contractor also need to be covered. If the contractor is verified to be uninsured and/or has uninsured employees, then please don't even consider hiring them, or else you could be sued and held monetarily responsible for worker's injuries sustained while on your property.
Also, you need to ensure that the contractor has a sales tax ID number, as this would be a better way to verify a business' existence and see if it is legitimate Take note, however, that a one-man or part-time operations with annual sales below a specific amount may be exempt. Also, make sure the contractor has a valid license or permit if any are required for the type project planned, whether at state or local level, as some counties require that a contractor have a pre-paid contractor's license if they request money prior to completion of work.
Home renovation contractors with employees should also be registered with Workers Compensation. Avoid hiring companies with workers who are not registered with Workers Compensation, or those who are otherwise uninsured. You could be held liable for any accidents and injuries acquired by contractors and workers that happen on your property. http://realestatepress.org - Real Estate Press
Vanessa A. Doctor from [http://jump2top.com]Jump2Top - SEO Company
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vanessa_A._Doctor http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-On-Hiring-A-Good-Contractor-For-Home-Improvements&id=906736
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