Hiring home repair help
Finding the right people to help with your home repairs is key to getting a quality job and good price. Many different types of trades people specialize in working on various house components, systems, and machines. If you’re not sure where to look, start under the heading, "Contractor". There you will find a wide variety of trades people, such as "Contractor, Concrete" or "Contractor, Ventilation".
For problems with products or some materials--such as appliances, flooring, or carpeting--always check the conditions of your warranty before hiring a repairperson. By using factory-authorized service people, you may save the cost of the repair if the material is under warranty. And if you don’t use authorized service people, you may void your warranty.
Contractors
For major improvements, a remodel, or a similar job that involves several trades, you’ll want a general contractor--a construction professional who knows several trades and hires trades people, called subcontractors or "subs" to handle various aspects of the work, such as the plumbing, electrical, concrete and drywall. Some contractors work with their subs, some just supervise. The contractor is responsible for coordinating and paying the subs and purchasing materials, and generally works on the basis of a firm bid. Contractors must be licensed or certified in most states; be sure yours is and that he or she carries worker’s compensation and liability insurance.
Choosing good help
The best way to find reliable, capable trades people is through referrals from friends or neighbors who have had similar work done and were happy with the service. If you can’t get recommendations, talk to local building supply dealers or turn to the Yellow Pages --your most likely source of names if you’re dealing with a home-repair emergency. So that you’re not left to this device in a pinch, it pays to have the names and numbers of good repair services on hand. It’s also smart to check with the local chapter of the Better Business Bureau to make sure there isn’t a history of consumer complaints against the pro you plan to hire.
Select two or three potential trades people or companies (three to five for major construction work).
Call them, describe your problem, and ask:
1) Their hourly rate or method of charging and whether they charge for time spent coming to the job or picking up materials. Also ask whether a basic fee for checking the problem can be applied toward the final bill for fixing it.
2) Whether they are licensed or factory-certified for a particular product. Will the person with the license or certification be doing the actual work?
3) How much experience they have with your repair problem.
4) Whether they can handle the problem as quickly as you need to have it taken care of. Pinpoint the time of their visit to avoid wasting the day waiting.
When a repair person arrives at your home, review the work to be done and request a written description and price on their letterhead. This formal estimate should include:
1) Details about his or her fees and rates.
2) A "not-to-exceed" amount to limit the maximum price you will pay.
3) Written confirmation of any guarantees made.
4) His or her signature as well as yours --but do not sign a partial or incomplete contract.
5) An exact description of the work to be done and materials to be used.
A formal estimate is very important for all but the simplest repairs. But be aware that many problems may be concealed behind walls or above ceilings and the repair person can’t be expected to anticipate every ugly surprise. If he or she can’t give you a tight estimate, set a fixed rate for the investigative work that can become part of the overall price if they do the repairs. Before making a final payment or signing off on the finished work, be sure to inspect it carefully. Ask for a written receipt that states "Paid in full" to avoid liens or other legal claims later.
More about hiring a general contractor
Tips for hiring contractors
More about a good contract
