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Other Important
Information
Tips on
Selecting a Specialty Contractor
Specialty contractors can make
larger tasks go
much more smoothly. Here are some tips for homeowners on how to get
the best job at the best
price.
1.
First, define what you want done. If it's a complex project that
involves several trades people, you're better off hiring a general
contractor and letting him sub out the specialty
work.
2.
Otherwise, gather names from friends, neighbors and relatives.
Listen carefully to what they say. Watch out for comments like "The
job took much longer than expected" or "It didn't turn out the way
I thought it would".
3.
When calling a specialty contractor recommended to you, make sure
you mention the person who gave you his name. That implicitly
promises you'll recommend him if he does a good job. It also
suggests he'll lose two customers - you and the person who
recommended him - if things do not go
well.
4.
Check his track record. The Better Business Bureau can tell you if
a business has been the target of complaints. The organization can
also provide you with ratings of trades people who are BBB
members.
5.
Find out from your local building department whether a particular
trade requires certification or licensing. If so, ask for the name
of the state licensing body. Then ask officials there if they have
received complaints about the contractor you hope to
hire.
6.
Check out the potential specialty contractors' work by visiting
their prior project sites. Be sure to talk to the homeowners and
see if they were happy with the
job.
7.
As you show the specialist the job, get feedback to make sure you
didn't miss anything. This will open the door for informed
suggestions. If you're worried about cost, be sure to say so. That
lets a pro suggest ways you can save. Don't be stuck on doing a
project your way; take advantage of a contractor's
experience.
8.
Finally, always get an estimate or bid from at least three
contractors to help determine the right
price.
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