| Everyone has heard at least one horror story about | | | | 2. Document |
| remodelling: Either the work was done so poorly that it | | | | For work to begin you will need to sign off on a |
| had to be replaced, costs went well beyond the | | | | contract. This contract should contain the following: |
| estimate, or the contractors simply disappeared with | | | | A schedule for when the work will be done |
| the money. | | | | A schedule for when payment will be made |
| To avoid these pitfalls you will need to be active | | | | The exact type of materials used and their costs |
| throughout the construction process. These tips will | | | | The method that will be used to handle disputes, |
| help you ensure you get the job done right the first | | | | including arbitration and maximum time between |
| time. | | | | responses |
| 1. Research | | | | Once work commences keep records on when work |
| When looking for someone to do a job, answer these | | | | is done and when payments were made. |
| questions: | | | | If there is something wrong with the building that |
| Can their credentials be verified? | | | | prevents work being done, such as structural problems, |
| Certifying bodies have web sites that let you search | | | | it's up to the owner to fix these problems, not the |
| for certified contractors, making it easy to match | | | | contractor. While you may hire the same contractor to |
| contractor claims with those who issue certificates. | | | | do these repairs, this is separate from the original |
| Have they ever filed for bankruptcy? | | | | repair contract. Remember: never do business with |
| Less scrupulous businesses will file for bankruptcy to | | | | someone who will not sign a written contract or |
| avoid paying for damage caused by their repairs. Like | | | | demands full payment in cash up front. |
| certifications, bankruptcy filings can also be found | | | | 3. Take care of problems as soon as they crop up |
| online. If you find the owner has had several failed | | | | Once construction commences, keep an eye on the |
| businesses, stay away. | | | | work so misunderstandings between you and the |
| Have they worked in your area before? | | | | contractor can be caught and absolved before major |
| If the contractor works locally, he or she will want to | | | | damage has been done. Use your notes to show |
| maintain their reputation. You might also be able to see | | | | exactly where the problem is occurring and explain |
| examples of their work. | | | | why you are unhappy. |
| Can they show you what the work will look like before | | | | 4. Consider legal action |
| they do it? | | | | Most contracts will require problems to be arbitrated |
| Don't sign a contract until you've gone over the details | | | | by a third party before the case can be brought to |
| of the work and have see the materials that will be | | | | court. In most circumstances problems can be worked |
| used before signing a contract. Some contractors can | | | | out quickly without involving the expense of taking |
| also show you a computerized version of the work | | | | issued to trial. |
| they will do. | | | | |