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Why hire a professional?
lMaintains a safe and neat jobsite to prevent damage to your home or injury to household members and pets.
lProvides the best possible materials within your budget and assists you in making selections through the vendors they work with.
lEnsures that your job meets or exceeds applicable building codes and regulations.
lGuarantees the quality of their work with a warranty.
lResponds promptly to service calls and inquiries. |
What you need to know:
lLook for a licensed contractor with at least 5 years of experience doing the type of work your project requires.
lBeware of "fly-by-night" contractors who arrive in an unmarked truck or van, or who won't give a business address.
lDon't fall prey to high pressure sales tactics or offers to do a job at half-price because "we've done a job nearby have material left over."
lMake sure the contractor has liability insurance. Ask to see a copy of the contractor's worker's compensation policy. You may be liable if a worker is injured on your property. Check your homeowner's policy to find out whether it covers you, and to what extent.
lWill the owner of the construction company or salesperson you spoke with be supervising the job? If not, who will be? Will subcontractors be used?
lWho is responsible for obtaining and paying for all permits and/or licenses - you or the contractor?
lDoes the contractor provide warranties on materials and his workmanship?
lYou must have a contract in writing to define the responsibilities of all parties involved! Your contract should define how the contractor will charge. Will there be a fixed price regardless of all cost overruns or savings? Or, will you be billed by the hour for labor and separately for material?
lGet at least 3 bids for your project and review them carefully to make sure they include everything you want. Keep in mind that the lowest bid may not necessarily be the best bid, and that an unusually low bid may be cause for concern. |
These local organizations can be helpful in selecting a building professional:
Long Island Builder's Institute
631-232-2345
www.libi.org |
Nat'l Assn of the Remodeling Industry
631-673-6274
www.nari-ny.org |
American Institute of Architects
516-294-0971
www.aialongisland.com
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Consumer Affairs
Nassau County
516-571-2600
Suffolk County
631-853-4600 |
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