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Remodeling your home
Some homeowners are handy enough to tackle their own remodeling or construction projects, but many will turn to contractors to make their visions a reality. Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) offers a Top Ten list of things people should do before hiring a contractor:
- Check out their track record. Contact BBB to obtain free Business Reviews on any company you're considering hiring. Visit bbb.org or call 1-800-646-6222.
-Solicit multiple quotes. Shop around and get at least three written estimates.
-Verify license and insurance. Ensure that companies have a current license to perform work in Minnesota doli.state.mn.us , as well as liability and workers' compensation insurance. In North Dakota, visit sos.nd.gov/.
-Ask for references. Get references from recent jobs and verify them before signing a contract. Be leery of people who say they have leftover materials from a nearby project; ensure they are an employee of the business they claim to be representing, and take time to research the business.
-Inquire about a lien waiver. A lien waiver is a statement from the contractor that all suppliers and subcontractors have been paid for their work. Be sure to ask whether the contractor will provide you with a lien waiver upon completion of the work.
-Don't forget building permits. Permits are for your protection and help ensure work will meet local building codes. Check with your contractor before starting your project to see if a permit is necessary. Homeowners bear the cost of building permits, but companies should be responsible for obtaining any necessary permits.
-Consider future service issues. Keep in mind that if you choose a contractor or company that isn't local you need to know who to contact in regard to any service needs that may arise after completion of the project.
-Get everything in writing. Don't allow work to commence without a signed, written contract that includes project start and completion dates, exact costs, specific work to be done and warranty information. Be aware that anything you sign is a contract.
-Don't rely on verbal promises. Any promises made orally should be written into the contract, including warranties on materials and/or labor.
-Arrange a payment schedule. Never pay in full in advance of a project. Stagger your payments according to agreed-upon stages of work completion and don't make a final payment until all work is finished. Never pay in cash; use check or credit card.
Storm Damage Repair/Restoration
The following list of tips were created by BBB, with the input of representatives from the storm damage repair industry, to assist consumers in making wise buying decisions.
-Be aware that anything you sign is a contract. Read carefully or avoid signing an "estimate" or "authorization" form before you have actually decided to hire a particular contractor. Pay special attention to any details in bold, that are underlined or that you need to initial.
-Ask your contractor for references. Research companies for free at bbb.org.
-Ask for proof of liability and workers compensation insurance and well as a license to do work. A contractor should be responsible for obtaining all necessary permits, not you.
-Consumers may or may not be entitled to a re-inspection if their initial storm damage claim is denied. Factors taken into consideration may include the quality of the original report and the photos from the original inspection. You may want to ask your contractor to assist in asking for a re-inspection.
-Some contractors specialize in storm damage repair. Ask your contractor to explain their process for working with insurance companies and to describe what you can expect to experience during the process. For example, the claim may need to change depending on whether or not additional damage is found during the restoration process. Also, checks may be issued in stages by your insurance company.
-When you need storm damage repair, insurance policies vary. Check with your insurance agent about what is or isn't paid for by insurance with regards to repair or replacement.
-Local or national companies may both do a fine job with your storm damage repair needs. If you choose to do business with someone who is not local, be sure to understand who will be taking care of any service needs that may arise after the completion of the project.
-Understand the differences between warranties and guarantees. The manufacturer warranties their products and contractors have warranties on service. Contractors may also offer customer service guarantees. Get copies of any/all warranties and guarantees.
-Refrain from filing an insurance claim that you do not intend to fix. There could be repercussions from your insurance company when you are being compensated to make certain repairs. Keep in mind that if you hold a mortgage on your home, your mortgage company may have a vested interest in you making the repairs and most mandate you to make the repairs.
-Some companies list bids on their own contract to do service work on your home and some do not (basing their pricing on insurance allowance). Both are acceptable methods of conducting business.
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