What
are some guidelines to follow when trying
to find a contractor?
A:
While
hiring contractors recommended by friends
is usually a safe route, never hire a construction
professional without first checking him
or her out. If your state has a licensing
board for contractors, call to find out
if there are any outstanding complaints
against that license holder. Also, call
your local Better Business Bureau to see
if there are any complaints on file.
If
you are satisfied with the answers you
find there, interview the contractor candidates.
Ask what kind of worker's compensation
insurance they carry and get policy and
insurance company phone numbers so you
can verify the information. If they are
not covered, you could be liable for any
work-related injury incurred during the
project. Also be sure that the contractor
has an umbrella general liability policy.
If they pass the insurance hurdle, next
check some of their references. A good
contractor will be happy to provide as
many as you want.
Finally,
don't let yourself be rushed into making
a decision no matter how competitive the
market may seem. Also, never pay a deposit
to a contractor at the first meeting.
You may end up losing your money.
Q:
Where
do I get information on remodeling?
A:
Try
these sources:
* National Association of the Remodeling
Industry, 780 Lee St., Ste 200, Dex Plaines,
IL 60016; (800) 611-6274; nari.org.
* "Rehab
a Home With HUD?s 203(K)," published
by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development, 451 7th St., Washington, DC
20410; call (202) 708-1112; hud.gov.
* "Cost vs. Value Report," by
Remodeling magazine, 1 Thomas Circle, N.W.,
Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005; remodeling.hw.net.
$8.95 per copy; call (202) 736-3447 for
credit card orders.
* "The
Do-able Renewable Home," a booklet
published by the American Association of
Retired Persons, available online at homemods.org.
Q:
How
do I find a home inspector?
A:
In
order to find a home inspector, Dian Hymer,
author of "Buying and Selling a Home
A Complete Guide," Chronicle Books,
San Francisco; 1994, advises looking for
someone with demonstrable qualifications.
"Ideally, the general inspector you
select should be either an engineer, an
architect, or a contractor. When possible,
hire an inspector who belongs to one of
the home inspection trade organizations."
The
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
has developed formal inspection guidelines
and a professional code of ethics for
its members. Membership to ASHI is not
automatic; proven field experience and
technical knowledge of structures and
their various systems and appliances are
a prerequisite.
One
can usually find an inspector by looking
in the phone book or by inquiring at the
HomeJoy Real Estate office or sometimes
at an area Realtor association.
Rates
for the service vary greatly. Many inspectors
charge about $400, but costs go up with
the scope of the inspection.
Copyright
2006 Inman News Features
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