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San Diego real estate library
Know Your Kitchen Contractors Credentials
Checking out kitchen contractors doesn't have to be a dreaded
job when realizing the investment you are making in your home
through renovation. Investing a little time in the investigating
of contractors will give you peace of mind, confidence in your
contractor and the expected end. There are a few helpful steps
to get you started and erase uncertainty and doubt from your
mind. Sleeping well at night is an added bonus!
Always ask the contractor for referrals. This is the number one
fault homeowners make by simply taking the contractor word and
not checking him out. Being victimized is an unwanted reality in
today's world. Word of mouth is the best way to find a qualified
and reliable contractor who's work you can check out. Ask
relatives, friends and neighbors who they have used and had good
relationships with. Ask questions like what made it a positive
experience, how the contractor communicated with you and how he
handled problems that arose. The big question is, would you use
him again?
Be sure to check out their credentials through research of the
recommended contractors. Make sure the contractors hold all the
necessary licenses he needs to get the job done such as licenses
from the state and local municipalities as well as designations
from any professional associations...
Any remodeling professional worth his or her name, will have
invested in the coursework and passed rigorous tests in order to
earn a precise certification. Be aware, however, that all
certifications are not created equal. Check out what it took to
be certified in the area they say they are certified in.
There is nothing inappropriate with interviewing candidates so
set up times to go over the plans you have and see if you and
the contractor get the gist of what you want and he will be
willing to work with your ideas and at the same time, offer some
helpful ones of his own. Do not go overboard with the quotes
because it can get way too confusing when trying to make a
decision. Write down questions ahead of time. Being prepared
helps you to not forget things that are important to your
project. The contractor should be willing to listen to you and
offers the pros and cons of your design for your specific house.
It's important to have good communication between you and your
contractor eliminating hopefully any friction if the unexpected
is to arise which in renovation, the surprises are likely.
Having good chemistry with your contractor is essential because
this is probably going to be someone you will be working with
for quite sometime. You have to trust the people you are working
with! Always require in the bid price the scope of the work,
payment schedule, a site plan, schedule of primary construction
tasks, change order clause, list for close out and express
limited warranty. In addition, a clause about dispute resolution
and a waiver of lien which would protect you from subcontractors
putting a lien on the house in case the contractor did not pay.
Hopefully everything will check out and you can move forward
with confidence!
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