by: Jessy Norman

Whatever your home improvement needs - large or small - you need a professional contractor you can trust. A contractor who will provide you with sound advice on products, reasonable explanation of procedures, and, most important solid results. It's difficult to determine the capabilities and reliability of a contractor. That's why this was prepared - a simple, step-by-step guide designed to help you find the contractor right for you.

Step 1: where to begin

Any home improvement is a complex combination of elements, the success of which depends on the quality of materials, installation, and over-all construction. There are many ways to start your search for the contractor who meets your individual needs. Referrals are obviously the best source for names of credible companies. Ask friends and family members who they have used in the past. Contact your local chamber of commerce about contractors who are active in the community The Better Business Bureau, state and local licensing authorities, local trade associations, and your local yellow page directory are also excellent sources of information. Also, local suppliers of building products.

STEP 2: meeting and evaluating potential contractors

After you have compiled a list of possible contractors, take time to evaluate each one carefully A professional contractor will be happy to provide any information you may require. Many homeowners have been mystified by the seeming lack of interest and response from the contractors they call. To get a contractor to respond to your call, tell him you are shopping around, but are only interviewing three contractors, not ten. A contractor is shopping for good jobs that will make a fair profit and bring future referrals. Many contractors have had experiences with unreasonable or dishonest homeowners. Therefore, they look for warning signs of customer problems during the initial job interview.

Set up a meeting to discuss your needs and their qualifications, and be sure to pay close attention to the attitude of the company representative. Good contractors take pride in their work and will be enthusiastic about the possibility of helping you with your problems. If you feel confident that the contractor is truly interested in your project, ask for the company's vital statistics - specific business information which will help you make your final decision.

 Step 3: utilizing the contractor's product knowledge

Your contractor should have up-to-date knowledge on quality products for your project. He or she is the best source of information, but you should play an active role in the product selection process. Ask questions about different materials Such as brand names, life span, thickness, design, available colors and warranties. Selecting the best products is as important to your job as selecting the right contractor.

Step 4: Understanding and negotiating the contract

Prior to drafting a contract, most contractors will provide you with either an estimate or a proposal. An estimate typically provides a single price, a generically described product, a color, and no options. A proposal offers more detail with a choice of products by brand name, prices, services, and designs. A proposal will normally offer options good, better and best - and include product samples and literature. A contractor who takes the time to prepare a good proposal will most likely do a more thorough job. All items to be accomplished should be written as part of your contract. Get it in writing. Beware of verbal promises. When a contract is presented, it should spell out the proposed work, prices, and completion date. Read the contract carefully Misunderstandings are the most common cause of contract disputes. Pay special attention to be certain that at least the following points are covered in the contract. Building permits - what's necessary? Consider local ordinances, costs, posting requirements. Start and completion dates - including plan of action in case of weather delays. Products materials - what will be used, brands, colors, etc. Protect Inspections and number of inspections, completion timetable Site procedures - work hours, clean-up procedures on and around your home, safety precautions, etc. Warranties - including both workmanship and product. Terms - detailed -as method and timing of payment to include a lien waiver upon final payment.

Liens - you should be aware that under the laws of most states, a contractor who does work on your home, or a supplier of materials for such work, has a right to place a lien on your property Make sure all essential elements of your agreement are written down and understood by both parties.

Also, require the contractor to inform you of who his supplier will be along with any subcontractors that will be used on the job. Either pay them yourself or require that you have a receipt showing they have been paid before paying your contractor.

Right-to-rescind - providing the right to cancel the contract without penalty within a set period of time (usually three days).

Step 5: sit back and relax

A little well-planned research up front will undoubtedly save you a lot of time and trouble later on. Once you feel confident that you have the best contractor, the best products, and the best value simply relax and let your contractor do his job. Do, however monitor the progress of your project to be certain your contractor lives up to his superior reputation. Hopefully this information will simplify the task of choosing a professional contractor.

Jessie Srader is a Houston roofing contractor A special thanks for sharing this information and making it available.

From the June 1997 issue of "The ASHI Reporter"