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Remodel Contract Saavy

Thu 18 Dec 2008 - 10:12

Remodel Contract Saavy
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Richard_J._Roll]Richard J. Roll

The home improvement bug hits many homeowners hardest in the Fall of the year. It's a prime time to make improvements that will reduce energy bills during the winter months, for instance. You may have been waiting for summer to end to put on an addition. Or maybe you're preparing to spiff-up the exterior prior to selling. Whatever the motivation for making improvements, you will be probably dealing with one or more home improvement contractors. This is a good time to brush up on your homeowner-contractor skills. The ancient adage, 'Caveat emptor' (Let the buyer beware) is never more true than when making home improvements.

The more homeowners understand about the basics of the home improvement business, the less likely it is they will have negative experiences with contractors, according to homeownership advocates.

What does a homeowner need to know?

There are three fundamental rules of contracting for home improvements that will help take the mystery and guesswork out of hiring a contractor:

Do your homework

That means not only knowing where to look for prospective contractors. It means knowing what references to ask for and what red flags to watch out for. Preventing problems before they occur is always a wise investment of a homeowner's time. Taking advantage of the existing consumer protection services that are available should be an automatic first-step for any owner who relocates into a new neighborhood or state.

Create a strong contract

It's not safe to assume your contractor's standard agreement will protect your interests, as a homeowner. Frequently it's quite the opposite. But, many homeowners don't know what to look for in a good contract. Whether you are a do-it-yourself type or a homeowner who would rather seek professional assistance, there are multiple ways to insure that any home improvement contract you enter into is clear, thorough and fair. You should learn how to exercise your rights as a consumer, too. [https://www.ahahome.com/cgi-bin/oec.cgi?p=ato2b&acct_code=1Z025]What's in a good contract?

Know how to compare bids

One of the easiest-to-learn but least-exercised homeowner skill is that of asking multiple companies to submit bids, and then selecting the most appropriate company for your needs. And guess what? It's NOT usually the low bidder that turns out to be best. The reasons may surprise you. But, if you haven't taken the time to be a comparison shopper for home improvements, in the way you are with most other products, you are exposing yourself to a variety of potential abuses.

Richard J. Roll, Founder and President of the American Homeowners Association (AHA) has helped over 1 million homeowners in all 50 states save money on buying and maintaining their homes. For more tools, information and resources to help you maintain your home and instantaneously save money go to [https://www.ahahome.com/cgi-bin/oec.cgi?p=ato2b&acct_code=1Z025]http://www.ahahome.com for a special offer from AHA.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_J._Roll http://EzineArticles.com/?Remodel-Contract-Saavy&id=1715489


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