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How to Select a Contractor for Your Next Project
Few things are as scary as finding the right person to work on your home. If you don’t know a good company or home improvement person, how do you know who to use? We all have heard the stories about remodeling projects gone bad.
In many cases complete strangers will be in close contact with you, your family and your stuff on a daily basis. They will interrupt your daily life and make common, routine activities (like washing dishes) more difficult. Because of the nature of the work, this cannot be avoided. But, it can be managed!
I have been around a long time and have some ideas that may help you with your decision.
-First, take your time and do not rush into anything!
-Under no circumstance give anyone money until you have a signed contract and schedule!
Here is where I would look:
1-Avoid the phone book as long as you can.
2-Obviously, you ask your friends and family. Maybe someone they know can refer a good person or business.
3-If a neighbor has a project going, talk to them, and watch the workers.
4-Ask around your church or school. Someone there should have had a good home improvement experience.
5-Call your local lumber yard (I don't mean Menards or Home Depot). They work with contractors every day. I use W. B. Martin in St. Paul.
6-Ask around at work. Again, someone there should have had a good experience.
What to look for:
1-My 1st concern would be quality work and attention to details. Look for the person or company that notices and points out the small stuff.
2-Ask for references. Insist on seeing work that they have completed.
3-Get their license number and check out their record at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Find out if they are licensed. You can also find out about current or pending action against them. (Go to my “Links” page for a link to the Labor and Industry website.)
4-Ask to see their current certificate of insurance. Make sure it is current!
5-If they ask for money before a contract is signed or rush you into a decision-don't hire them!
6-You have to be able to trust them. Does it feel like you will be able to work with them? Schedule more than one meeting-get to know them better over the course of a few interviews.
I hope you find this helpful. Good luck with your search.
Thanks for looking,
Rick Bidwell
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