How to tell if your project will run smoothly before you sign the contract.
1. Good Communication. If you can talk with each other, you can work out any details that come up.
• When you call do you reach someone? * Are calls returned promptly?
• Does he listen to you?
• Does he answer all of your questions and concerns thoroughly?Nothing is more important than feeling like your contractor understands your needs and concerns. If your contractor is so busy that he can't return your calls promptly, maybe it's time to look for a new contractor. When you are in a discussion, does the contractor really listen to you? I mean really listen? This is vital.
2. Comfort. If you feel comfortable with your contractor, the chances are good your project will run smoothly. Think about it. You've just invited a stranger into your home. Do you find this person nice? Considerate? Personable? A Listener? Was he polite and courteous? Or did he make you feel that he wasn't interested? You will be working with this person for days, weeks, or even months depending upon the project. Can you stand to have this person around?
3. Trustworthy. If you feel your contractor is trustworthy, the likelihood of a successful project is good. Check his references. Keep in mind that if your project will entail entrance into your home and you won't be home during the day, the keys to your castle will be given to your contractor. Can you trust him or her? Listen to your conscience.
4. Completion. Will your contractor give you a reasonable estimate for how long the project will take to complete? A good contractor will do this. Remember that you want to hire a good contractor, not a new roommate! Nothing is more frustrating and irritating than a remodeling job that drags on and on.
5. Written Contract. I can't tell you how many contractors I have seen that look at rather complex jobs, pick a price out of thin air, scribble a figure only on the back of a business card, and give the card to the homeowner. Show contractors who do this the door! You want a detailed, written contract that shows what is included: exact materials, brand names and cost. It is one thing to be informal with an estimate, it is quite another to try and do business without a formal contract.
6. Details. Work out the little details before work begins. Talk about thinks like:
• Where will the dumpster go, or where will the debris pile will be created?
• When will the project begin?
• Who can you contact at the office with questions?7. Appearance. If your contractor has a neat appearance, this is a very good sign of things to come. This may sound silly, but it's not. He doesn't have to show up in a coat and tie, but neatness does count. Is he clean? Is his vehicle presentable, or falling apart? If his appearance is neat, chances are good he will keep your job and your home neat too.
8. Down Payment. If the contractor asks for a big chunk of money up front, this could be a tip-off that they are not in good financial shape and you could be in for a rocky experience. A fair down payment should not exceed one half, unless work progresses, you should expect to pay out additional funds to match the prescribed, complete stages.
9. Change Orders. With remodeling, there is always the chance that you may want or need to change a material or contract item. Ask him how these are handled. They should be written on a separate document showing in detail what is being changed and how much it will cost. This should be done before the change is affected and signed by both the contractor and homeowner. Good communication is the key to determining how the rest of the project will go.
