ADVISE ABOUT PRICES
PRICE AND HIRING A CONTRACTOR
If PRICE seems to be the primary issue for you, please read on.
You should be wary of a price that seems too good to be true. May I suggest that your instincts are correct; that in today's world if a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is! Your best protection is information. When a contractor is in trouble, your first clue will be low price -- they are scrambling for cash and anxious to get a few deposits in the door and worry about building later.
When you shop, you must look past price alone when it comes to the home building and remodeling industry. IF YOU WANT A PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTOR WHO PROVIDES QUALITY PRODUCT, SERVICE, AND TIMELY PERFORMANCE, YOU WILL PAY MORE.
But better to spend a little more than you planned for the quality you deserve. YOU REALLY DO GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. And doing your homework will pay off.
Check references, call the BBB, call NARI, call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Line and ask a contractor's status. Go see their office, go look at a job in progress, ask to meet the owners, review their contract and estimate specifications THOROUGHLY, check out the background and history of the company, ask for a suppliers list, ask if they use their own employees or subcontractors. Many contractors will supply you with this information before you even ask, which shows that they know how important these things are to educated remodeling shoppers.
If I'm a bit sensitive on this subject, it is justified. Too often I hear about people being disappointed or ripped off by contractors. Protect yourself and do your research; it will pay off. And remember: IF YOU WANT CHEAP PRICE, YOU WILL END UP PAYING IN OTHER WAYS WITH POOR QUALITY, AGGRAVATION, HEADACHES, LAWSUITS, AND POSSIBLY DIVORCE!
Are you concerned about the stress level during the upgrading of your home? Are you putting it off because of the fear of an unpleasant experience?
Kitchen and bathroom remodeling happen to be the most stressful remodeling projects in your home for the obvious reasons that the rooms are required for everyday living in sensitive areas of food preparation and personal care.
A responsible professional contractor can make a world of difference when it comes to keeping a project on schedule and helping you prepare for the inconvenience of remodeling; and despite the best planning, there WILL be inconvenience. Some people don't mind the confusion but others are uncomfortable when their homes and lives are disrupted.
Good News: There ARE things you can do to minimize and/or prepare for the disruption.
1. I suggest the next time you remodel make sure you get a schedule in writing before the work begins so YOU can monitor the progress to make sure your project is not delayed for unsubstantiated reasons.
2. Do your homework when shopping for a contractor: call a number of their referrals and question them carefully about work done in a timely manner and reasons for any delays.
3. Ask the contractor if you can meet the people that will be working on your project to see how comfortable you are with having them invade your personal space on a daily basis. If they cannot tell you who will be working on the job, or you get bad "vibes" from someone, try another contractor and KEEP trying until YOU are satisfied. Some contractors care more and will be concerned with YOU as well as your construction project.
INCREASE YOUR COMFORT LEVEL AND YOU WILL DECREASE YOUR STRESS. Do your homework and choose a contractor you trust and with whom you are comfortable on a personal, business and organizational level and your stress will be greatly reduced.
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