how to hire a contractor course mike

How to hire a contractor?

Mar 15, 2022 · Ask if the contractor is a member of a professional association that has standards or a code of ethics. Ask for multiple quotes. You should always shop …

How do I find a contractor?

Oct 03, 2019 · 00:00. 00:00. Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume. Hiring the right contractor will make or break your real estate deal. Here’s how to get it right every single time. Filed Under: Al Gordon, Real Estate Investing Radio Shows Podcast. Read More. Content coming soon, please check again at a later date. Read Less.

How to choose the right contractor for your project?

Apr 15, 2019 · A contractor who can meet all of the above items is more likely to complete your job in a professional manner and be the contractor that you love to refer. As of December 31, 2005 many types of contractors (but not all) must register with the state of NJ as a Home Improvement Contractor and display their license number on their business materials.

What is a a contractor?

Mike’s official contractor for windows and doors. www.trimbowindow.com info@trimbowindow.com Telephone: 1-888-W-TRIMBO (987-4626) ... Hire a Mike Holmes Inspector to protect your investment. Approved Homes. Get one that’s built to Mike’s standards. QUALITY. INTEGRITY. TRUST.

Appearance

Now we don’t always want to judge a book by its cover but in this case, you really should. For someone that doesn’t take care of themselves, chances are they’re not going to take care of your house. Mean, yes I would agree with you. But it is your money, right.

Insurances

Very important to say the least with any license needed for the job and town. Liability insurance is only going to cover their work in case they do damage in some shape or another. However, workers comp protects your butt in case someone gets hurt while working on your house.

Written Estimates

I don’t think I have to tell you to get more than one estimate, right? Only accept an estimate, that’s written on a computer. This estimate is very important and everything on it must be able to read by you and a lawyer if ever needed. Besides, you don’t want any misunderstandings on details.

Home Address

They say never trust a man that doesn’t drink. In this case, don’t ever trust a contractor that won’t give you his home address. Think about this for a second. You just handed this guy a bunch of money and perhaps the keys to your house right? Wouldn’t you want to know where he lives?

Contract

Now don’t for one minute think you have to accept their contract. You could write your own or even have a lawyer write one up for you. Who’s butt are we protecting here anyway, right?. A contract must be signed by you and the owner of the contracting business and a witness of someone you know would be a good idea.

Payment Disbursements

Also, will be covered in the contract. However, don’t be shy about creating your terms of payments. What’s the worst they can say, no? Whatever the terms end up never having it that you’ll be paid up before the job is 100% completed and to your liking.

Permits and Inspections

All permits must ALWAYS be taken by the contractor, no matter what. Why might you ask? Simple, you as the homeowner can just about walk into the building department and get one very easily. But on the other hand, the contractor will have to prove he has all the proper insurances and licenses just to name a few.

1. Get Recommendations

Start with your friends and family and then check in with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for a list of members in your area.

2. Do Phone Interviews

Once you've assembled a list, Tom recommends that you make a quick call to each of your prospects and go through these questions to ask a contractor:

3. Meet Face to Face

Based on the phone interviews, pick three or four contractors to meet for estimates and further discussion. A contractor should be able to answer your questions satisfactorily and in a manner that puts you at ease. Tom says that it's crucial that you two communicate well because this person will be in your home for hours at a time.

4. Investigate the Facts

Now that you've narrowed your list, put your research to use. Call up former clients to find how their project went and ask to see the finished product. But Tom says you shouldn't rely on results alone. Even more important, visit a current job site and see for yourself how the contractor works.

5. Make Plans, Get Bids

You have your short list of contractors whose track records seem clean and whose work ethic looks responsible. Now it's time to stop looking back at past work and start looking forward to your project.

6. Set a Payment Schedule

Another important tip for hiring a contractor is to workout a payment schedule ahead of time. Payment schedules can speak to a contractor's financial status and work ethic. If they want half the bid up front, they may have financial problems or be worried that you won't pay the rest after you've seen the work.

7. Don't Let Price Be Your Guide

"Throw out the lowball bid," says Tom. "This contractor is probably cutting corners or, worse, desperate for work"—hardly an encouraging sign in a healthy economy. Beyond technical competence, comfort should play an equal or greater role in your decision. The single most important factor in choosing a contractor is how well you and he communicate.

What is a general contractor?

Some contractors focus on a specific type of project, like plumbing or tiling or painting, while others will work on any type of project. For larger projects, a general contractor may also serve as a project manager working with other vendors to get all the work done. Hiring a reliable and trustworthy contractor is one of ...

What is a contractor in a kitchen?

That’s where a trusted and vetted contractor comes in. A contractor is a company or person that you hire to provide materials and labor to complete a job.

Do you have to have permits before you start a project?

Your contractor must have the correct permits before starting your project. They will usually obtain the permits, but you will probably pay for them. That should be detailed in your contract. Request that all final inspections be completed by the local building official prior to final payment.

What is BBB accreditation?

BBB Accredited Businesses make a commitment to uphold BBB's accreditation standards including: to build trust, advertise honestly, tell the truth, be transparent, honor their promises, be responsive to their customers, safeguard privacy and embody integrity.

Do you have to pay in full up front?

Never pay in full up front. Stagger your payments so your final payment is not due until the work is complete and you have fully inspected it. Do not pay cash; make sure your check is written to a company, not an individual, or that you use a credit card.

What should be included in a contract?

The contract should include contact information, start and complete dates, a detailed description of the exact work to be done, any material costs, payment arrangements, and warranty information. Specify who is to obtain necessary building permits and who is responsible for clean-up.

What is a lien waiver?

A lien waiver, in the United States, is a statement from your contractor that says all suppliers and subcontractors have been paid for their work. In some Canadian provinces, there is a mandatory Builders Lien holdback, so ensure you understand any financial obligations you may be liable for.

Why do companies hire contractors?

Companies also hire contractors to save money.

What is IR35 for contractors?

IR35 affects all contractors who do not meet the Inland Revenue’s definition of ‘self-employment’ and was designed to stop contractors working as ‘disguised employees’ by taxing them at a rate similar to employment.