HOMES Spring Saint J.. - Reid & Associates Specialty Advertising Inc.

Five tips for choosing a contractor
(NC)—Whether it's the need for a change, an upgrade, or an emergency
home repair, most homeowners will at some point need to hire a contractor.
Renovations and repairs vary widely in both the scope and the
resources needed to get the job done right.
“Even a homeowner experienced in repairs will need to hire a contractor
eventually due to the size or level of difficulty with a project,” says Yvonne
Ratigan, an executive with Royal LePage Canada.
Ratigan offers these guidelines to finding and choosing a contractor:
1. Ask for referrals and consult local resources. Start by asking friends
and family for referrals. Other sources include your local homebuilder
and renovator associations and local building supply stores.
2. Ask questions. What kind of work do you specialize in
Do you offer a warranty How do you handle clean up
How do you schedule the work Do you provide a contract
The answers to questions like these will help you to narrow down your
choices.
3. Consider more than just price. In addition to price, consider the level of
trust and the quality of work you see from the contractors you have
short-listed. Make your decision on a variety of pre-determined factors,
asking the same question to all bidders. Be sure to get references and
ask to see the work the contractor has done for past customers.
4. Proper insurance. Both the homeowner and the contractor need to
have the right insurance. If the contractor's crew is injured on the job
or damages your property or a neighbour's property, your homeown
er's insurance policy might not cover you and you could be liable.
5. Get it in writing. The final agreement between you and your contractor
should always be in writing. Don't be tempted to accept cash only jobs.
A cash deal may leave you with no legal recourse if something goes
wrong.
More information about renovations and increasing the value of your
home is available online at www.royallepage.ca.
www.newscanada.com
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