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LI Contractors Top Ten Tips for Homeowners
Many LI Contractors guarantee their work and are full licensed by either Nassau or Suffolk County government. But when a problem arises, what recourse does a homeowner have to get the problem resolved? Before this happens, learn from the following ten tips to hep avoid a problem with a LI contractors work.
1. Not knowing what you want. If you don’t know what you want, you might not like what you get. Also, if you change your mind and change the job halfway through, the contract – and price – have changed (Hint: it won’t get cheaper). Know clearly what you want done.
2. Not getting everything in writing. You don’t want to hear, “I didn’t say I was going to include the gutters.”
3. Not having dates in the contract. Did you want it finished this year? You better have it in the contract.
4. Paying too much up front. A deposit may be a reasonable request when the contract is signed, and money for materials prior to the start date. Never pay in full before the job is finished.
5. Hiring unlicensed contractors. Actually, this can be okay, if you know what you are doing (and he does). The license doesn’t mean you get expertise, but it does mean you get leverage. A contractor will right his wrongs to avoid losing that license.
6. Hiring the first one in the phone book. Ask friends who had work done, or the owner of a hardware store. Find a recommendation based on a similar job to yours.
7. Thinking there will be no problems. Weather delays, employees quitting, and more will happen. Having problems is okay, but it’s not okay if the contractor can’t work out the issues to your satisfaction.
8. Expecting neatness. Believe it or not, it is sometimes efficient to leave things laying where they’ll next be used. There will be messes, so prepare accordingly. Cover things if it will be a dusty job, for example. Also be clear in the contract that the jobsite will be cleaned up at the end of the job.
9. Not having penalties in the contract. This is important on large jobs. It’s one thing to say “Work to be completed by May 2nd,” but better to add, “$100 per day to be deducted from the contract price for each day the job is unfinished beyond May 2nd.” That’s what I call a motivational clause.
10. Thinking contracts will prevent problems. They help, but unreasonable people on either side of a contract can ignore them, or use “literal readings” to make things even worse. Find someone you can work with, and keep your eyes open.
Understanding these ten LI contractors tips can make your next remodel or repair job that much more smooth.
Long Island Contractors Hiring Tips for Best Results
If you are searching for Long Island contractors, a simple look at the local paper or television station will inundate the homeowner with many choices. But how do you find the right person or company for your specific job. And what is exactly does a Long Island contractor do.
Before starting, a definition of a contractor is needed. The definition is universal whether in Nassau or Suffolk County. A Contractor is defined as a person or company who agrees to supply materials or perform services at a specified price, especially for construction work. If you have decided to hire a contractor for any kind of work in your house you should keep in mind certain precautions in mind.
How do you find the right Long Island contractors for your project? There are many ways you could do this. Gets a prescreened contractor for your area from companies offering remodeling services? Also, you could ask your friends and relatives to refer you a contractor we who have had a project done and were happy with the work done. Alternatively, search for a contractor in the local builder’s association etc.
When the contractor you are hiring provides you with references, follow them up and ask the previous clients if they were happy with the work of the contractor and would they work again with him. It is also advisable that you should be explicit about what you to be done.
While choosing the contractor, it is better to keep these tips in mind. For example e you would have a better choice if you have three different quotes. Don’t assume that the lowest quote may be the best quote, carefully compare the quotes, wait up for the right person and only hire that person with whom you feel you share a good rapport.
Remember one last rule for all Long Island contractors you deal with. Always insist on a written contract specifying the start and completion date of the project by the contractor. Additionally ensure that the contractor is insured, bonded and licensed.
