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Home & Garden Articles
Home Improvements - Getting Them Done on a Budget
Wed 24 Sep 2008 - 16:29
Home Improvements - Getting Them Done on a Budget
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joel_D_McDonald]Joel D McDonald
If you are a typical homeowner, you have probably thought about remodeling. If you are getting ready to sell, it might be a good idea to do a bit of updating, and improve the value. You have to be sensible, though, so of course you will want to get the upgrades done for the lowest amount. Not spending too much is an important consideration, but that does not mean you want a cheap result.
Real estate is a serious undertaking, and if you don't do things right, you could over-invest. This is just as true for a remodel of just a single room as it is for a renovation of the complete property and everything on it. For most of us, hiring a professional contractor is a necessary part of getting the job done. The criticality of choosing the right service firm for the job cannot be emphasized too much.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), homeowners should be aware of the scams of bogus firms. The FTC has published warnings about these red flags that your contractor might be trouble:
* Insists on a quick decision
* Wants full payment up front
* Offers you a cheaper price for finding other customers
* Accepts only cash payments
* Has to ask you to obtain the necessary city permits
* Offers you a discount due to having extra material for some random reason
Those are some of the warnings that you should walk away from the deal. Sometimes a bogus contractor will try to get you to borrow from a company that they suggest. The worst case scenario of a home improvement loan scam could leave you out in the cold.
There are several things you can do to keep from being taken. Interview your prospective contractors carefully. The FTC recommends that you ask about the length of time they have been doing business, their license details, and insurance coverage. Check with your city building office. To put it simply, ask around. These steps are not unlike the normal steps you take for any significant purchase.
Another important technique is asking for recent references. Not only should you collect a list of former customers, but you should call and checkup on them. Ask these references about the quality of the work and service.
Ensure that your payment terms are clear and agreed upon before they start. Some local laws do set limits on how much higher the actual cost of a project is allowed to be above the estimate. Check into the laws in your area. In any event, don't pay until you are satisfied with the work.
Joel D McDonald recommends AutomatedHomefinder.com when you are looking for your perfect home in Colorado. For [http://www.automatedhomefinder.com/louisville-colorado-real-estate-for-sale.php ]Louisville real estate or anywhere in the Front Range area, try Automated Homefinder.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joel_D_McDonald http://EzineArticles.com/?Home-Improvements---Getting-Them-Done-on-a-Budget&id=1506121
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