| Real estate prices nationwide have seen a decline | | | | you. |
| recently. Many home owners have plans for a | | | | Ask for References |
| remodeling project in the near future to increase the | | | | Ask around for references and get two or three |
| chances of selling their home or simply to enjoy their | | | | estimates. Talk with your friends, co-workers and |
| living environment more. Whatever your goals, follow a | | | | neighbors for recommendations. When interviewing |
| few simple steps and you can make your next | | | | contractors, ask for names and addresses of previous |
| remodeling project a success. | | | | customers and check with those references. Ask for |
| While most licensed contractors are reputable | | | | a copy of their license. Sometimes, the Better Business |
| professionals and strive to do the best job possible, | | | | Bureau maintains records describing whether the |
| there are others who lack the necessary skills or | | | | company has a number of consumer complaints. |
| expertise in business matters to insure the successful | | | | Insurance |
| completion of your project. Less reputable contractors | | | | Talk with your insurance agent or company about the |
| may try to sell you services or materials you don't | | | | extent of your coverage during the remodeling project. |
| need and may be financially unable (or unwilling) to | | | | Before you even begin the project, you should review |
| resolve a dispute should it arise. | | | | your policy for weather and water damage, theft, fire |
| Research | | | | and other types of coverage. During the remodeling |
| The first step to selecting a contractor or | | | | project, most policies will only cover building materials, |
| tradesperson is to research your remodeling project. | | | | so make your contractor be responsible for all |
| You must be knowledgeable about what the job | | | | products and materials until that time. Additionally, you |
| involves, the necessary materials and the steps | | | | should be insured for the cost of the construction |
| needed to complete the project. The web is a great | | | | before any renovations begin and make certain that |
| place to start. There are many useful websites with | | | | your home is currently "insured to value." |
| tons of free information. Use a search engine such as | | | | Hiring a general contractor or a tradesperson brings |
| Google to find information on type of project you are | | | | other risks. Two types of coverage are carried by |
| considering. You will be amazed at all of free | | | | reputable firms or individuals: worker's compensation |
| information available on the Internet. | | | | and general liability. Discuss the importance of these |
| Permitting | | | | items with your insurance agent to gains his or her |
| Depending on the type and size of the project, you | | | | opinions of the applicability of these insurance products |
| may need to contact your local building departments to | | | | to your particular situation. Check with the contractor |
| find out what building permits are necessary and what | | | | your select to make sure their insurance is current and |
| your legal obligations are regarding obtaining and | | | | also make sure they carry adequate coverage. |
| posting permits on the job site. Once you have | | | | By doing your homework and following the simple |
| knowledge of the requirements, most licensed | | | | steps above, you can increase the likelihood that your |
| contractors will handle the permitting is process for | | | | next remodeling project will be a success. |