The warm months of spring and early summer are a popular time to complete home remodels and renovations, and that means that more people are hiring contractors without the knowledge to make sound choices. Read on for tips on things to look for before hiring a contractor and what a contract should include before work begins on Paradise Valley gated homes.
Actions to Take Before Hiring an Arizona Contractor
Selecting the best contractor to do work on your Paradise Valley home can be a time-consuming process, but with due diligence from the start, you can avoid losing money or having a terrible experience during the process. Here are some steps you should take prior to signing a contract with a contractor.
Get Written Estimates from Three or More Contractors
It can be tedious to contact multiple contractors and have them come out to quote bids on your project, but in the end getting multiple bids will pay off. Not only will the process help you avoid overpaying for your Paradise Valley home renovation, you will also become knowledgeable about your options, the type of work that will be involved, what types of materials you may want to consider, and what types of personalities you would prefer to work with. It’s a fact-finding mission to help you pay a fair price and hire the contractor you will be most comfortable with. After all, you will have a lot of interaction with the person you hire, especially during a large remodel when he or she is in your home on an almost daily basis.
Be sure your written estimate includes a detailed description of what was discussed, including exactly what will be done, the cost, who will obtain the appropriate building permits, and any other relevant terms of the agreement. When it comes time to sign the contract, compare your estimate to the terms of the contract to confirm that the cost and all other details match up.
Check References and Reviews
Ask for a list of references from contractors you are considering and then check those references. Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions about the quality of work performed, the professionalism of the crew, how any problems were handled, and other questions relevant to the renovation process. Additionally, jump online and search for contractor reviews. You will typically find reviews on Google Business, Yelp, BBB, and Facebook as well as industry-specific sites like Angie’s List, Houzz, and others. Read the amazing reviews and the bad ones to get a sense of the quality of the contractor’s work as well as common complaints and how they were addressed by the owner.
Check the Contractor’s License Record with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors
You can ensure that a contractor’s ROC license is current and get additional information about the licensee by entering their six-digit license number here. Be sure the licensee class qualifies for the type of work you desire to have done. If you are working with the contractor’s representative to negotiate your project, call the contractor’s number listed on the Registrar of Contractors license record to verify that the representative is authorized to negotiate on behalf of the contractor.
Check with Your Homeowner’s Association Prior to Signing a Contract
If you live in a gated community in Paradise Valley, there’s a good chance you are a part of an HOA. As the homeowner, you are responsible for checking that the work you want done is allowed/approved by your HOA. You will need to notify your contractor of any requirements, CC&R restrictions, and construction policies prior to signing a contract.
What to Look for In a Contract Before Work Begins on Your Paradise Valley Home
It’s important to get a complete contract before you begin working with your contractor, and here are some of the things it should include before starting work on Paradise Valley gated homes:
- The contractor’s contact information, including name, company name, address, phone number, and email address, as well as license or ROC number.
- A detailed description of the work to be completed. This should include timelines, additional contractors’ names and information, and the equipment that will be used.
- The full cost of everything, including a breakdown of materials and labor to work on your property.
- Deadlines for the completion of the entire project and, for bigger jobs, major milestones. This should also include any penalties should work not be completed on time and who is responsible for payment.
- A schedule of the workday: what time laborers will begin and end and what days of the week they will work.
- Outline of permits and inspections, including who is responsible for obtaining the permits. No matter how big or small the job is, there are typically state, county, and federal regulations to be followed.
- The cleanup process: who’s responsible for it and when it will be completed.
- The process that will be followed should the work not be completed satisfactorily or if the contractor needs to vacate the project for any reason.
- What will happen should damage occur to your property during the remodel or renovation. Typically, the contractor’s insurance will cover this, so determine how much coverage they have.
- Possible warranties of parts and labor, including length and limitations.
- The cancellation policy, which is typically three days after the contract is signed, to pull the plug on the agreement. Any penalties to canceling the project should also be included.
- The payment schedule, including how and when payment will be accepted. You should include any circumstances that would allow for payment to be withheld, such as unsatisfactory work or not meeting timelines.
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