| Owning
Your Home - Hiring a Contractor
How do I find a home inspector?
In order to find a home inspector, Dian Hymer, author of "Buying
and Selling a Home A Complete Guide," Chronicle Books, San
Francisco; 1994, advises looking for someone with demonstrable
qualifications. "Ideally, the general inspector you select
should be either an engineer, an architect, or a contractor. When
possible, hire an inspector who belongs to one of the home inspection
trade organizations." The American Society of Home Inspectors
(ASHI) has developed formal inspection guidelines and a professional
code of ethics for its members. Membership to ASHI is not automatic;
proven field experience and technical knowledge of structures
and their various systems and appliances are a prerequisite. One
can usually find an inspector by looking in the phone book or
by inquiring at a real estate office or sometimes at an area Realtor
association. Rates for the service vary greatly. Many inspectors
charge about $400, but costs go up with the scope of the inspection.
Where do I get information
on remodeling?
Try these sources:
* National Association of the Remodeling Industry, 4301 N. Fairfax
Drive, Suite 310,Arlington, VA 22203; (847) 298-9200.
* "Rehab a Home With HUDs 203(K)," published by the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 7th and D St.,
S.W., Washington, DC 20410.
* "Cost vs. Value Report," by Remodeling magazine, 1
Thomas Circle, N.W., Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005. $8.95 per
copy; call (202) 736-3447 for credit card orders.
* "The Do- able Renewable Home," by the Coordination
and Development Department, American Association of Retired Persons,
601 E St., N.W., Washington, DC 20049.
What are some guidelines
to follow when trying to find a contractor?
While hiring contractors recommended by friends is usually a safe
route, never hire a construction professional without first checking
him or her out. If your state has a licensing board for contractors,
call to find out if there are any outstanding complaints against
that license holder. Also, call your local Better Business Bureau
to see if there are any complaints on file. If you are satisfied
with the answers you find there, interview the contractor candidates.
Ask what kind of worker's compensation insurance they carry and
get policy and insurance company phone numbers so you can verify
the information. If they are not covered, you could be liable
for any work-related injury incurred during the project. Also
be sure that the contractor has an umbrella general liability
policy. If they pass the insurance hurdle, next check some of
their references. A good contractor will be happy to provide as
many as you want. Finally, don't let yourself be rushed into making
a decision no matter how competitive the market may seem. Also,
never pay a deposit to a contractor at the first.
|