| Be Careful Contracting for Home Remodeling |
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If you are a typical homeowner,
you have probably thought of remodeling. If you are planning to
sell, it could very well be a good idea to do a bit of updating, to increase
the appeal of the home. Of course,
a person will want to get the most attractive upgrades done with minimal outlay. Not spending too much is a significant consideration for a majority of homeowners, but that does not mean you want a cheap remodeling job done. |
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Real estate is a business involving serious financial investment, and if you are not careful, you could spend too much. A remodeling job might be for just one room, just the exterior, or the whole house. Getting a legitimate contractor is necessary to get a good remodeling job done at the right price. The importance of selecting the right service firm cannot be emphasized too much.
The Federal Trade Commission says that homeowners should watch out for the tricks of bogus contractors, designers, and architects. The FTC has published warnings about these signs that your hired help might be dishonest:
* Offers a discounted price for referring clients
* Requires payment by cash payments
* Asks for full payment up front
* Pushes for an immediate commitment
* Just happens to have surplus supplies from a previous job
* Has to ask you to obtain the permits
Those are signs that you should run from the deal. Sometimes these con artists will try to get you to borrow money from a lender that they recommend. The worst case of a loan scam could put you out of house and home. |
Protecting Yourself
There are a few key things you should do to avoid being taken advantage of. Interview potential contractors rigorously. Ask how long they have been in business, their license details, and insurance. Check with the permit office. These steps are just like the steps you have to take for any big transaction or purchase.
One other important suggestion is to ask for recent business references. Not only should you collect a list of former clients, but you should check. Ask these references about the quality of the job. Question them about whether there were unplanned expenses, and if there were other problems.
Make sure that the payment terms are clear before they start. In some places there are limits on how much higher the actual cost is allowed to be in relation to the estimate. Find out the laws in your area.
This article was provided by Automated Homefinder, the Colorado real estate experts. |
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| Denny Horner |
| 703-629-8455 |
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