Basements are a popular site for remodeling in the home, since they can add a lot of comfortable and useful living space. However, they do come with their own unique set of challenges which call for the skills of a true professional. When choosing a Pittsburgh basement remodeling contractor, homeowners should keep the following tips in mind.
If homeowners can get some recommendations for a dependable contractor from people they know, this is best. Other individuals who may be able to suggest someone include building inspectors and those who work at lumberyards, as both have opportunity to deal with contractors and observe how they operate.
Choosing several possible candidates and calling them up should be the next step. It's important to obtain some basic information from them such as if they perform the particular type of renovations one is looking for, how large a workload do they take on at one time, how long have they been in business, and if they can provide references. The answers they provide will give the customer an idea of whether or not they will be suitable for the job.
Of those contractors called, homeowners should pick three or four who meet their expectations. There must be a high level of communication between these two parties, and it's important to check out any candidates with the Better Business Bureau and make sure they don't have a negative service record with their clients. Calling references is advisable, and if possible actually visiting the contractor at a current work site and observing how he performs is even more effective.
Companies with favorable references and work records should be asked to provide a price quote. The contractor will need to review the blueprints for the basement and the client has to indicate the size of the budget they have to work with as well. A price estimate should be itemized to show how the final figure was arrived at. The client can then compare bids from each contractor.
As a rule of thumb, the majority of contractors will expect the client to pay down 10 percent upon signing the contract, and the remainder will be paid in three installments each representing 25 percent, and the last 15 percent is usually paid once the project is complete and the customer is pleased with the workmanship. It's best to discredit the company which offers a lowball bid, since this can indicate cut corners or that they are desperate for work.
The contract or agreement between contractor and client must indicate such terms as payment schedule, proof of insurance, materials to be used, and a start and finish date, and lien releases which removes liability from the customer in the event that the contractor owes money to workers or suppliers. This document clarifies just what is being done and paid for so there are no discrepancies.
When selecting a Pittsburgh basement remodeling expert, there are certain types of behavior which can present red flags that the customer should look out for. If the contractor has no fixed business number, will not provide evidence of licensing and insurance, no verifiable references, or is very forceful, this is someone who should not be considered for hiring.
If homeowners can get some recommendations for a dependable contractor from people they know, this is best. Other individuals who may be able to suggest someone include building inspectors and those who work at lumberyards, as both have opportunity to deal with contractors and observe how they operate.
Choosing several possible candidates and calling them up should be the next step. It's important to obtain some basic information from them such as if they perform the particular type of renovations one is looking for, how large a workload do they take on at one time, how long have they been in business, and if they can provide references. The answers they provide will give the customer an idea of whether or not they will be suitable for the job.
Of those contractors called, homeowners should pick three or four who meet their expectations. There must be a high level of communication between these two parties, and it's important to check out any candidates with the Better Business Bureau and make sure they don't have a negative service record with their clients. Calling references is advisable, and if possible actually visiting the contractor at a current work site and observing how he performs is even more effective.
Companies with favorable references and work records should be asked to provide a price quote. The contractor will need to review the blueprints for the basement and the client has to indicate the size of the budget they have to work with as well. A price estimate should be itemized to show how the final figure was arrived at. The client can then compare bids from each contractor.
As a rule of thumb, the majority of contractors will expect the client to pay down 10 percent upon signing the contract, and the remainder will be paid in three installments each representing 25 percent, and the last 15 percent is usually paid once the project is complete and the customer is pleased with the workmanship. It's best to discredit the company which offers a lowball bid, since this can indicate cut corners or that they are desperate for work.
The contract or agreement between contractor and client must indicate such terms as payment schedule, proof of insurance, materials to be used, and a start and finish date, and lien releases which removes liability from the customer in the event that the contractor owes money to workers or suppliers. This document clarifies just what is being done and paid for so there are no discrepancies.
When selecting a Pittsburgh basement remodeling expert, there are certain types of behavior which can present red flags that the customer should look out for. If the contractor has no fixed business number, will not provide evidence of licensing and insurance, no verifiable references, or is very forceful, this is someone who should not be considered for hiring.
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