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1 in 4 homes in UK has one - The average costs $15,000!
The conservatory -sunroom, is this UK phenomenon about to hit the other side of the Atlantic?
In the UK the conservatory as a live-in sunroom has become nothing short of a £15 billion ($25 billion) a year industry. It is now estimated that...
A list of power tools that women should have in their toolbox for general home repair and emergencies
There's a running joke among my friends that the odd jobs never
get done around the house because the man of the house can't do
it without the right power tools - which he hasn't bought yet.
Most women, on the other hand, have never met a nail...
EnerGuide for Houses incentive: Are you eligible?
(NC)—The EnerGuide for Houses service, which was launched in 1998 by Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency, identifies opportunities for energy efficiency improvements in your home. Even if you are one of the 60 000 Canadians who...
Home Improvment Ideas
There are many home improvement projects that you can carry out to make your home a more comfortable space and to add to its value as property. These home improvement projects include remodeling the basement, kitchen, and bathrooms, and painting...
Repair And Maintenance Of Kitchen Faucets
The kitchen is the heart of many homes. This is the room where the family prepares and shares meals together. Because so much time is spent here, the fixtures and accessories need to be functional and fit with the style of the room. Kitchen faucets...
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How to Deal With Contractors
Not everyone is aware of how to deal with contractors. Imagine that your Home Improvement Loan has been granted. What do you do next? Do you rush out and find the first available contractor and offer them your cash? Not a good move.
Whether you're planning an addition for a growing family or simply getting new double-glazed windows, finding a competent and reliable contractor is the first step to a successful and satisfying home improvement project. Take your time to consider all your options. Do not rush into any agreement that you may later regret.
Your home may be your most valuable financial asset. That's why it's important to be cautious when you hire someone to work on it. Home improvement contractors often advertise in newspapers or the Yellow Pages. However, don't consider an advert to be an indication of the quality of a contractor's work. Your best bet is to find a contractor that has been used successfully by friends, family or colleagues. Get written estimates from several firms. Don't automatically choose the lowest bidder.
Above all, be wary of contractors who will:
solicit door-to-door
offer you discounts for finding other customers
just happens to have materials left over from a previous job
only accept cash payments
does not list a business number in the local telephone directory
pressure you for an immediate decision
offer exceptionally long guarantees
ask you to pay for the entire job up-front
Interview each contractor and ask:
How long have you been in business?
How many projects like mine have you completed?
Will my project require a permit?
May I have a list of references?
Will you be using subcontractors on this project?
What types of insurance do you carry?
Talk with some of the contractor's former customers and ask:
Can I visit your home to see the completed job?
Were you satisfied with the project?
Was it completed on time?
Did workers show up on time?
Did they clean up after finishing the job?
Would you recommend the contractor?
Would you use the contractor again?
You should not start any project without having a contact in place. A contract spells out the, who, what, where, when and cost of your project. The agreement should be clear, concise and complete. Before you sign a contract, make sure it contains:
The contractor's name, address, phone nubmer
The payment schedule for the contractor
An estimated start and completion date
How change orders will be handled
A detailed list of all materials
Warranties covering materials and workmanship
What the contractor will and will not do
Keep all paperwork related to your project in one place. This includes copies of the contract, change orders and correspondence with your home improvement professionals. You also might want to take photographs as the job progresses. These records are especially important if you have problems with your project — during or after construction.
Before you sign off and make the final payment check that:
All work meets the standards spelled out in the contract.
You have written warranties for materials and workmanship.
The job site has been cleaned up and cleared of excess materials, tools and equipment.
You have inspected and approved the completed work.
You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact:
About the Author
John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.
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