How to choose your Contractor!

When selecting a contractor there are many qualities and attributes to explore. Don’t settle for any company that comes along. Do your homework and you will reap the benefits!  Belinda Adamson, Aspen’s CEO has constructed a list of helpful hints for the prospective home remodeler. Take a few minutes and read through…it could save you time and money!
 
How to choose your contractor
1.    Always look at reputation: Look for established firms that have a good reputation for quality work.

2.    Ask questions. What is the training and experience of the contractor? Are they specifically trained for your type of work? Trained how? Is he/she fully insured and have adequate insurance coverage? Find out if the contractor is a member of a local trade organization, these are generally professional affiliations.

3.    Get estimates in writing and then ask why the bid is high or low. Is the higher price because of higher quality materials? Is the lower price missing something? Make sure each of the contractors uses a written plan so that you can compare the cost of each aspect of the project.

4.    Make sure you know about warranties. What type of guarantees and/or
Warranties will the contractor and material manufacturer offer in writing?
 
5.    Hire a licensed contractor.  After you speak to a contractor, be sure to check out the contractor's license number. 
 
6.    Hire insured contractors.  Ask the contractor for a certificate of insurance.  In case of an accident, is the company insured against claims covering workers comp, property damage and personal liability? 
 
7.    Request at least three references.  Get in touch with at least three
Previous customers to check out the contractors work and find out how their project ran smoothly. Ask the references about timeliness, neatness, safety, quality and reliability. Ask to see a "job in progress" and a listing of jobs completed. Drive by and take a look at them.
 
8.    Once you have chosen a contractor, be sure to get a written contract. Your contract should include at least the following...

Name, address and telephone number of Contractor.  
The contractor’s License # and expiration
Insurance numbers and verification.
Your name and address.
Detailed description of the work, and the start and completion date of the project .
Total cost of project as well as a schedule for releasing payments to the Contractor.
Any warranties and promises specifying whether they are full or limited.
 
9.    For large jobs involving several subcontractors, protect yourself from liens against your home in case the primary contractor doesn't pay the subcontractor or the suppliers.  Add a "Release of Lien Clause" to the contract which covers you if subcontractors are not paid, or place your payments in an escrow account until the work is complete.
 
10.  If you are going to need a loan to pay for the home improvement
Project, you may want to consider putting a clause in your contract stating that the agreement is valid only if the loan is approved.
 
11.  Payments. Your down payment should be no more than 1/3 of the total
contract price.  Do not sign the completion certificate until AFTER the job has been inspected to your satisfaction. Never pay for work before it's done.   After your initial down payment, make payments for the rest of the project as it moves along. You may want to specify in writing the schedule for releasing payments that you agree on, as well as any of the oral warranties, guarantees and promises!  If your project is going to be very costly, you may want to consider having an attorney look over the contract.
 
12. Take your time studying the contract. Never sign anything under pressure!  Contracts signed in your home must include a three day cooling off period, during which you may cancel the deal.  If you do change your mind and cancel, it is recommended that the notice of cancellation be sent to the contractor via certified mail, return receipt requested.
 
13. Pay the contractor by check or with a credit card.  Never pay cash and be sure to get a receipt of payment.
 
14. Keep a file of all receipts, permits, contracts, and any other document pertaining to the job.  This will protect you if any questions or problems come up during the job.
 
Contractors at Aspen Home Improvements are qualified, skilled craftsmen, all with over 15 years of experience.

We hire the best, because we do the best. Please feel free to contact our office to speak with one of our professionals about using Aspen for your home improvement needs.