RENOVATE
When possible, renovate or repair instead of replace. When obtaining estimates, always break down for labor and materials. This allows you to pick and choose repairs and know cost savings of each.
When hiring a contractor, ask the following questions:
Ask these questions:
Are there any pending lawsuits against you?
How many people are on your payroll?
How many years have you been in business?
How much liability insurance do you carry?
What other jobs are you working on right now?
What was the last job you completed?
When will you begin working on my project?
When will you finish?
Who else have you worked for recently?
Who is your insurance company?
Will you give me drawings and plans?
Follow up on these questions by doing the following:
Call your local business bureau or municipal offices to see if complaints are on
file.
Check references and look at jobs previously completed.
Get everything in writing.
Beware of standard forms that have lots of small print on the back.
As Mr. Ross explains, “Usually what the big print `giveth,’ the small print `taketh away.’” Inspect their place of business. If it is sloppy, don’t use them.
Negotiate a fixed price contract.
The best cosmetic improvements that offer most bang for the buck include:
-Interior/Exterior painting
-New Flooring
Can you avoid carpet in some areas?
Can you use a solid grade linoleum/laminate?
-New cabinets
Reface, not replace?
-New countertops
Formica or Corian instead of granite
-New fixtures
Bathroom
Sink
Lights
Fans
Face plates
-Used appliances
Consider rent back each month
-New toilets
-New water heaters
-Repaint doors, add new hardware
-Powerwash siding, repair bricks
-Yard clean up
