When You Hire a Contractor for Your Home, a Pen is Your Most Important Tool.

There are many experienced and reliable contractors doing business in your community. Unfortunately, there are also some underground operators who offer a great price so long as nothing is written down and you pay in cash. Don 't make the mistake of falling for- the DEAL that could trim into a real nightmare, exposing yore to lawsuits, financial liens or liability for workplace accident or injuries. Find the right contractor: one who is skilled, knowledgeable and does business fairly and honestly. In short a professional.

Finding someone who is right for yore and your project is not difficult  If you follow these four simple steps:

• STEP ONE: Get recommendations: Start by asking friends, family members and neighbours for recommendations. Call the BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU and ask, for their' ratings, how long they have been with the Bureau and any problems registered.
      

•  STEP TWO:  Get contractor' references.  A good contractor has satisfied customers. Ask contractors for' a list of customer references: people who can verify' the contractor's past performance. Ask them about work done on time, on budget, follow-up warranty work, the job done satisfactorily and would they hire him again.
      

• STEP THREE: Get protection from risks: Ask the contractor for liability and Workers Compensation assurances and make sure the contractor spells out who is responsible-for permits and approvals.
      

• STEP FOUR: Get it in writing Always get a written contract that states what work will be done, what it will cost, and how payments will be made. Without one, there is little you can do if the work is of poor quality or incomplete You risk being charged far more than you expect and it's very unlikely that you can enforce any warranty or after-sales service promises.

A properly written contract gives you specific legal protection should your. contractor go bankrupt or fail to pay for the materials and laborer that goes into your project. Without this, you could face liens and have to pay the suppliers, even though you have already paid the contractor.   Professional contractors always provide customers with a clear, written contract.