Archive for the ‘remodeling contractors’ tag
Remodeling Contractors
Insider Tips on How to Hire a Home Remodeling Contractor & Avoid a Remodeling Disaster
I wrote this article for all homeowners looking to Remodel of hire any contractor. Tips on how to avoid a remodeling nightmare.
Having worked many years for other home remodeling contractors in San Diego, I learned a few things besides how to waterproof a shower properly or build a room addition. I learned first hand that there are bad contractors out there lying and looking to take advantage of you, the homeowner.
The bad and ugly
“Some” contractors will tell you anything to sell the job. They will make promises and make up stories, whatever it takes to seal the deal. Who wants to work with someone like that or have to deal with that guy for 3 months or so? You need a contractor that has your back. Will do whatever it takes to make the job right and make you happy. At least that is what I think a good contractor should do. The reality is some contractors look ant your project as a money making adventure and not as a one on one quality remodeling experience. I know contractors twice my age with half the knowledge. They are just wannabe business men with not much building experience.
Insider tips
Watch out for salesmen! Maybe they got the job last week and after getting fired from the used car dealer. My personal experience with sales people is that they don’t know the details and will tell you what you are looking to hear to close the sale. They will not be around when your job is being built. Who will be in charge of running your job and the workers? Talk to the contractor! You need to talk to their references too. Make sure some are current, like from last month. This will tell you what they are up to now. I know contractors that have only unhappy customers and they keep getting work. That is because they are giving out a few old numbers of a few clients who were not angry with them. Call the homeowner and ask a bunch of questions like, did they do as promised? Did they make change orders? Did they finish on time? How would you rate the quality?
Also I recommend to visit recently finished job and talk to the homeowner directly and see the work for yourself. Make sure the contractor does not go. If the client was truly happy they wont mind and they will be happy to promote the contractors business. Think about it, they were in your shoes a couple months ago.
Get it in writing!
Make sure you have the the details listed on your contract. Make sure you have a payment / progress schedule and do not pay ahead of work completion. Get a start and finish date in writing. I have seen remodeling contractors blame the homeowner because the job did not go as planned. Do not give them a budget to work with, that would be like giving a kid your credit card. You should have a set price and a detailed list of what you are getting for that amount.
Do not be afraid!
This article is to protect you, not scare you. There are many good remodeling contractors out there, but you must protect your home for the bad ones and be informed. Remember the to watch out for the wolf in sheep’s clothing or something like that.
Finally check online for reviews and the contractors board.
Happy Remodeling!!!
About the Author
For more information on home remodeling, room additions and remodeling pictures visit San Diego Home Remodeling San Diego’s best home remodel and Home Addition contractor.
FREE Consumer Awareness Guide Remodeling Contractors in Kentucky
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Brass Clawfoot Tub Antique Phone Style Diverter Faucet with Hand Shower $279.99 New diverter faucet for your clawfoot tub. It has Porcelain Lever handles that say “hot”, “cold”, and “shower” with the center lever for the shower diverter. Polished Brass finish. In a antique Victorian style from Barclay. It has an antique style spigot. Also a phone style handheld shower with a cradle. The shower hose is 59″ long. This will easily convert your clawfoot tub into a shower. I… |
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Satin Nickel Clawfoot Tub Gooseneck Diverter Faucet with Hand Shower – Antique Phone Style $299.99 New gooseneck diverter faucet for your clawfoot tub. It has Porcelain Lever handles that say “hot”, “cold”, and “shower” with the center lever for the shower diverter. With gooseneck shaped spout. Satin Nickel finish (shown in chrome but this sale is for satin nickel). In a antique Victorian style from Barclay. It has an antique style spigot. Also a phone style handheld shower with a cradle. T… |
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42-Inch Single Sink Vessel Bathroom Vanity Cabinet Base Brown Mocha Finish Fully Assembled with Free Shipping $429.95 The Angelina Bathroom Vanity Product Description:The Angelina is a member of our Signature Series of cabinets. The cabinet has a beautiful look and finish and is the perfect choice for the customer desiring to upgrade existing cabinets or for a new construction project. Cabinet Dimensions: 42″ Wide X 34 1/2″ Tall X 21″ Deep– What you can count on from our cabinets: All of our cabinet boxes are… |
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Never Trust A Contractor $1.99 … |
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Walk-in Soaker Honest Advise and Contractor’s Price, Includes 5-piece Faucet & Showerhead Kit As Pictured. $2,995.00 No Surprises… Prior to each order, we will ask a series of questions to ensure you of no costly Surprises. Such as: the size of your doors, details of the room where the tub will be located and delivery details. We will use the information ensure you will receive everything needed for a smooth installation. All units come with an extension kit or end cap at NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE. We make selectin… |
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Datacomm 50-3321-WH-KIT Flat Panel TV Cable Organizer Remodeling Kit with Power Outlet (White) $37.95 DATACOMM RECSSD CBL PLTE REMLDNG KT ELEC OTLT WHT… |
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Instant Estimator $12.96 Labor and Material Cost EstimatingSoftware for Contractors and BuildersProduct InformationEstimate project costs quickly easily and accurately with Instant Estimator – an essential business resource for every successful contractor. When it comes to construction costs nobody likes surprises. Instant Estimator puts the tools you need for accurate cost projections right at your fingertips. Esti… |
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Kidde PI2010 Smoke Alarm Dual Sensor with Battery Backup, White 120V, AC Dual Sensor Smoke Alarm, Wire In With 9V Battery Back Up That Provides Continuous Protection Against Smoke & Fire Hazards, Even During Power Outages, Combination Of Ionization & Photoelectric Sensors Offer The Best Protection Against Both Fast Flaming & Slow Smoldering Fires…. |
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Kidde i4618 Firex Hardwire Ionization Smoke Detector with Battery Backup $7.50 The 120 volt Firex 4618 Pro Basic smoke detector has an ionization Sensor, quick connect power harness, is multi-station interconnectable, has a 5 year warranty, and is not available to members in Iowa, Oregon Or Vermont…. |
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Add-on Shower Set for Clawfoot Tub – Diverter Faucet, Riser, and D shaped Shower Rod $109.99 New add on shower set for your clawfoot tub in Chrome. This set includes 3 3/8″ Center diverter faucet with 3/4″ MIP Connections, brass construction chrome plate. A 61″ two piece chrome riser with shower head. A 54″ x 26″ polished aluminum D style shower rod with a 24″ Ceiling Support Rod Kit (cut to fit) and pair of wall flanges. Also includes chrome double eyeloop bracket attaches riser to showe… |