Any photos you want to model your project after

A notebook to write down project plans, sketches, questions, or changes

A phonebook

The amount of time will depend on the schedules of the contractors you call for estimates and interviews, and also on the size of the job. If the contractors have open schedules and it's a small job (a few days to a week of work), give yourself at least three days for your search. If the contractors are busy and the job is a big one (a few weeks to a few months), allow at least two weeks.

Specialty contractors include painters, electricians, plumbers, roofers, finish carpenters (for fine-detail carpentry projects), framing carpenters (for large-scale carpentry projects), cabinet makers, pavers, drywall contractors, carpet contractors, and flooring contractors.

It's not a perfect world -- beware of the rip-off artist. Signs to watch for include soliciting door-to-door, asking you to get the building permits, cash only and up-front payments, no business number listed in the directory, and "lifetime" guarantees.

You don't have to tell the contractors what the other bids are -- this is private information.

If you want to investigate further, you can contact your Better Business Bureau in the white pages business listings, or on the Internet: http://www.bbb.org. You can also try your local consumer affairs department in the government listings. These services will tell you if any complaints have been filed against the contractor, and if the contractor's financial standing is sound.

A contract doesn't just detail the construction points of the project. You can include clauses that deal with telephone and bathroom use, smoking, daily job cleanup, trash disposal, and so on.

Don't be rushed. You should be given at least a few days to look over the contract. If the contractor pushes you to sign immediately, or to not use a contract at all, you should consider working with someone else.

2torial #0506: Learn2 Hire a Contractor To build or not to build Maybe you're starting your dream project of an expanded kitchen or renovated living room, or maybe, if emergency measures aren't taken soon, you'll be checking into the local motel. If you're a homeowner, chances are you'll be dealing with a building contractor at some point. If, like the rest of us, you're a bit unfamiliar with structural engineering, electrical wiring, or plumbing codes, choosing someone can be downright daunting. Like most complex decisions, the key is not to rush into things -- a little research and the ability to ask the right questions at the right time go a long way. These simple steps will take you from your first phone call to the final contract with confidence. Before you start searching for a contractor, you need to consider two questions. First, what exactly do you need to have done? If the job involves a specific type of work, such as installing a new shower or building a backyard deck, you'll need a contractor who specializes in that area, like a plumber or a carpenter. But if the project involves a combination of specific jobs, you'll probably want to hire a general contractor. The general contractor handles all aspects of the project -- from hiring specialty subcontractors, to getting the building permits, to working with architects. Technically, you could be your own general contractor, but unless you have a near limitless amount of time and patience, leave it to the pros. Now for the second question: are you prepared to have the work done? This may sound a little strange, especially if puddles form on your floor every time it rains. However, if the project is more aesthetic than imperative, be aware of what you're getting into: strangers tromping through your home when you're still in a bathrobe, or power tools blasting through the day. A one-week job could turn into two weeks, a month, or even more, through no fault of the contractor. The stress can make you forget why you decided on the project in the first place. Just make sure you're ready for it, and remember that stress fades. When the work's finished, it's the improvement that stays with you. Narrow your search As with any search for a professional service, start with the most tried-and-true method: word of mouth. Ask your friends if they can recommend a specific contractor. You can also try local architects, building inspectors, or independent building material suppliers. Even your mortgage officer might know someone. If you're still coming up short, check the yellow pages (general contractors are usually listed under "Building", while specialty contractors go under their specialty). If you have access to the Internet, a large number of Websites are dedicated to researching and recommending contractors. (Try typing "find building contractor" in your search engine.) If you use one of these sites, make sure it's independently operated and not tied to an actual construction company. Set up estimate appointments Once you get five or six names and numbers together, start dialing. Remember, you aren't choosing a contractor yet. You're calling to decide if you want them to make a bid on the project, and to see if they're willing. Here's what you need to do: Describe the project in a clear and concise way. Ask if they're interested in giving you an estimate. Note: They may say they have to see the site before they can make that decision. Ask for an approximate start date. Some contractors may be booked for weeks, even months. If you want to get started right away, this information can help you pare down your list. Ask if they are licensed and registered in the state. Most contractors can't operate without a license, but the laws vary from state to state (and country to country). If you're in the U.S., you can call your local building department or consumer protection agency to find out about the requirements. Ask for samples. In most cases, contractors will have a photo portfolio of past work. This can help you determine their experience with your type of project and the quality of their work. Make your appointments. You should have at least three contractors lined up to make a bid on the project. Make sure you schedule enough time to sit down with each candidate and discuss the project and any questions that come up. Meet the contractors Before the contractors come to make their estimates, be prepared for the situation. You want to be able to describe the project. If it's a simple job, such as needing a new sink, then there's not much to worry about. But if it involves remodeling, be as detailed as possible. Will it require architectural plans? Draw up a rough sketch. Tell them your preference of materials, as well as your budget limits. Use photographs of similar projects you've seen in magazines -- whatever it takes to give them the clearest picture of your vision. Then get ready for the hard part: cost. Odds are the estimated figures the contractors give for costs and time will be greater than you expect. Don't jump to the conclusion that they're aiming high to see how much steam shoots out of your ears. Usually the simple fact is that they know more about what the job will entail than you do. For example, the living room wall you want removed is supporting half of the upstairs. Or maybe the toilet you hope to install will require digging up the septic tank. There are usually many ways to approach a project, but don't assume the contractor will explain them all. Always ask questions to see what the possibilities are -- you might save a bundle by making minor changes to your original plan. During the meeting, pay attention to presentation. Be attentive not just to their technical expertise, but also to their personal manner. Are they professional and easy to talk to? Are they clear about what they can and can't do? You might be spending quite a bit of time with the person. If you're at all uncomfortable at this first meeting, it could signal more friction to come. If the meetings go well, tell the contractors to send their estimates in writing. Explain that you want a fixed-price bid. This is standard for most estimates -- it means the price given won't be subject to future changes or mistakes made by the contractor. The bid should detail the cost of labor and materials, and include a time frame. Also let them know you'll be calling soon to ask more questions. Compare estimates Although it's hard not to jump at the lowest price, always look before you leap. Make sure each estimate details the exact specifications you discussed. If one bid is significantly lower or higher than the others, go through it carefully and see where the cost differences are, then ask the contractor about it. You may find out that the other candidates are cutting corners or using better materials. If you are at all confused with any part of the estimate, ask. Another decision factor is which estimate's time frame you're most comfortable with. One bid might be high, but if the contractor can get the project done in a week instead of a month, it might be worth it. Compare credentials Before you make your choice, it's always a good idea to arrange a final phone interview with the candidates to get a more complete picture of their reputation and credentials. This may sound like overkill, and for the more straightforward, simple jobs, it may be unnecessary. But for larger projects, a little legwork now can save you serious headaches down the road. If you're living outside the U.S., building regulations for licensing, insurance and permits may be different, but for those of you in the U.S., here are four key questions to ask the final candidates: 1. Are they licensed and registered with the state? If not, the work they do could be considered illegal. You may have asked this already when you were narrowing your search; now it's time to get the state registration number to see if it's current. If they're using subcontractors in the job, make sure these specialists check out as well. 2. What types of insurance do they carry? Contractors should have personal liability, worker's compensation, and property damage coverage. Without these, you may be held liable for any injuries or damages that occur during the project. 3. Can they get the necessary building and zoning permits? Although smaller projects do not always require permits, be on the safe side and check. Permits make sure your project will be looked over by a building inspector to see if it meets state or local regulations. You won't have much luck with insurance claims if you don't get the necessary permits. 4. Can they give you references? A good contractor should be able to give you names and addresses of at least three former clients who've had similar work done. This is the best way to learn about the contractor's work. If you contact a former client, prepare a set of questions: Did the contractor start and end the project on time? Were there any disputes involving the work, and if so, how were they resolved? Was the project ever interrupted by another job of the contractor's? Were they satisfied with the work? Write up the contract OK, you've chosen your contractor, you're in the home stretch, now it's time to get the details in writing. Unless the project is extremely well-defined and can be completed quickly (say within one visit), you need a contract. This doesn't necessarily mean a lawyer-approved document. Rather, it's an agreement written by the contractor in layperson's terms that outlines your expectations, how the contractor plans to fulfill them, and clear guidelines for payment. Contract laws vary from country to country, state to state, project to project, but you should know these basic sections: Scope. The contract should explicitly state all the work that needs to be done and explain each part of the job. Required materials. Materials such as lumber or electrical components have code-required minimums. Be sure to state if you want materials of a higher grade. Also, specify brand names, model numbers, and colors. Duration. The contract should give the start date, but good luck in getting a specific date of completion. However, a good contractor will agree to a "target" end date and will come as close to it as possible. You can give the contractor incentive to do this through a payment schedule (outlined in the following payment section). Building techniques. From dumping garbage to applying paint to installing insulation, you can specify how the contractor should handle certain tasks. Change orders. This is an authorization for work beyond the scope of the contract -- new jobs you decide you want done during the actual building. This section gives the change-order labor rate and states that you will only pay for preapproved work. Insurance. The contractor needs to present proof of personal liability, worker's compensation and property damage coverage. Payment. The contractor has already given you the price in the estimate. Here, you need to decide how the money exchanges hands. The most common method is to make payments as the contractor reaches certain job milestones. For example, the first payment comes when the contract is signed, the second when the foundation is poured, the third when the drywall is up, and the last upon project completion. With a reliable contractor and a solid contract, you can watch your project proceed with confidence. Remember to be flexible -- even the best contractor can't predict every problem that will arise -- but take heart that you're in good hands. -end- Learn More!