By: Joshua Carlson
Are you thinking of renovating or remodeling your home? Making the renovations yourself can be more costly than hiring the best home repair and improvement services in houston. My father is a General Contractor and I have learned many things when working with him. Not all Contractors are considered the same. They all have different work ethics and skill levels when completing the job to your specifications. If you are planning a repair on your roof, it is advisable to consult reputable roofing contractors that offer services like residential or commercial roof replacement to get the desired result. Hiring experts from a a reliable and trusted roofing company will ensure that your roofing project is properly done. In addition to hiring the right contractor, renting roll off dumpsters for the construction cleanup can also contribute to the success of your home improvement project.
When choosing to hire a general contractor, as well as subcontractors like plumbers, there are a number of things you should keep in mind in order to avoid many costly mistakes. I am going to share with you 5 important things to be aware of and to follow…
- Before you choose a home remodeling company, be sure to receive at least three written estimates from different contractors. Make sure they are written. Within the estimate you should get a quote for what it is going to cost as well as a breakdown of what is included. Most jobs will require labor, materials and permits.
- Within the contract make sure it states exactly when and what is to be done and how change orders will be handled. Be sure that the contract specifies the contractor will clean up and be responsible for any damages. Make sure you make the contractor responsible for the proper permits and documentation.
- Check past client references and the Better Business Bureau. If they cannot give you references then move on to the next contractor. The best general contractors in Houston can give you names and numbers of past jobs.
- Make sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance. I highly recommend not to hire a contractor without the proper licenses and insurances. If someone slips and falls and they do not have the proper insurance they will come after and sue you. If they do not have the proper license then they will not be held accountable to the state.
- When paying a contractor make as small of a down payment as possible. If a contractor asks for full payment then do not hire them. Most professionals will need a down payment in order to begin the job but do not need to be paid in full at the beginning of the job. Arrange to make payments as the job is completed. This way you won’t lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job. Do not make the final payment until job is fully completed and you are satisfied with it.
If you follow these guidelines in choosing general contractors, you will avoid many costly and unnecessary mistakes when renovating or upgrading your home. Some contractors can be intimidating. Remember it is your home and your money. You make the decisions…
Stay tuned for more tips and important information regarding your Home: Inside and Out…