|
| |
| Fallbrook Contractors |
Hiring a general contractor is tricky but hiring one to do or repair
your woodwork isn't that hard. It’s a relatively simple task compared to
say, if you are remodeling your entire house. Here’s a simply guide to
hiring the best woodwork contractor for the job.
STEP 1: Have a clear vision. Know for yourself what it is that you want
done. If possible, write it down or sketch a rough draft. This will help
you communicate your vision to the contractor so the output would be as
close to is as possible.
STEP 2: Have enough options. Invite at least three contractors to bid
for the job and have them present estimates of the same job. Don’t ask
for a bid for Mahogany and one from Oak because it defeats the whole
point of it.
STEP 3: Research. Conduct a background investigation on your prospective
contractors. Check their licenses (if your state requires them to
practice), references from previous clients, work portfolios, and
personal and financial and criminal records. Remember that you will be
working with one of them so you had better be assured of who you are
dealing with. Their background also says a lot of the possible outcomes
of their future work with you.
STEP 4: Study the estimates. Carefully scrutinize each detail of the
bidders’ estimates and go over the entries you don't clearly understand.
Don't judge the estimates based on the price offer. Check for functional
differences. For example, one of the contractors charges $50 more than
the other but could finish the entire project in 8 days less.
STEP 5: Sign a contract. Once you have chosen you contractor, it would
then be time to formally hire him by entering into a contract. First,
make sure that all you have agreed upon is written in the agreement
otherwise the contract is useless. Read the entire document and pay
careful attention to the section on payment schedule. Keep a copy with
you for future reference just in case.
The most important key to hiring a woodwork contractor is to hire the
one you are most comfortable communicating with. Your contractor should
be open to all of your ideas and shouldn't mind you asking a lot of
questions. Remember that this is about them working to build what you’ve
envisioned – not you making do with they are offering you. Be smart and
attentive with your dealings and you will surely end up with the best
hire.
|
|