Choosing The Right Contractor

Are you planning a new addition, replacing a roof, finishing your basement, or remodeling a kitchen or bathroom? Such home improvements require a major investment.

Avoid costly mistakes by taking time to carefully plan the project. We can provide complete services, which evaluate the parameters of your project, define a budget and create a plan built within your specifications.

Before hiring a professional contractor, verify the following:

• The contractor has a current license. If in doubt, check with Regional Building Department or State Licensing.

• The contractor has proof of liability insurance and workman's compensation.

• References. Don’t hesitate to call past clients to see if the contracted work was satisfactorily executed and performed on schedule.

• Obtain and verify the contractor's phone number and place of business.

INVEST WISELY

Local and state laws require contractors to be licensed and insured.

If a contractor asks you to obtain the building permit, most likely he or she is unlicensed. Hiring an unlicensed contractor puts you, the property owner, at great financial risk. In the event of substandard workmanship or unfinished work, you may have limited legal recourse if you knowingly hired an unlicensed contractor.

Because an unlicensed contractor is rarely insured, he or she can afford to submit a lower bid than a licensed contractor. The cost savings may be tempting, however, you have no assurance that the workmanship will meet code standard. In addition, you will be financially responsible for any workman's injury or accidental death.

Once you have chosen a professional contractor, negotiate a clear contract of what work is to be performed and a time frame. A contract helps to avoid disputes and informs both parties of expectations. Professional contractors usually provide time to review the contract without pressure, and allow three days to cancel it. Payments are generally arranged with a percentage of the projected cost paid in advance, but never the full amount.

DISTRESS SIGNALS

• The contractor is not licensed.

• The contractor has no liability insurance or workman's compensation.

• The contractor does not obtain a building permit for the job, or asks you to request the permit from an Arizona building department.

• The contractor wants you to pay for the job in advance or requests cash instead of a check or money order payable to the company.

• The contractor pressures you to sign a contract and offers a special price, good only that day. Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• A contractor whose business is located in a pickup truck and whose phone is a cellular or pager will be tough to contact should problems arise.

By selecting a professional remodeling contractor that you are able to communicate your expectations and concerns with you should have a pleasant experience throughout the process of making your dreams a reality.

If you are looking for an Arizona home improvement contractor please call us today at 480-736-2822, or complete our online request form.