Deal with local businesses:

Deal with local businesses whenever possible. “Vagabonds” are many “gypsy” or “vagrant” contractors who move into the area when there are storms that damaged homes. Even though these home improvement companies may offer excellent rates, they are often impossible to contact if the repair is substandard. Some of these transient companies offer home improvement services that look like they are professional. Unfortunately, your roof might leak when heavy rains come two months later. In that case, however, your money has probably been diverted to greener pastures by then.

Firm Completion Dates:

Be sure to ask for firm completion dates from each company when you receive cost estimates. A number of home improvement companies have started a job that should be finished within a week and then moved on to another, more lucrative job before completion. There may be a delay of weeks or even months before the contractor and crew return to complete the job. The companies need to commit to the days and hours they require access to your home as well. Perhaps you would prefer not to begin at 7 am on Saturdays, for example, if you like sleeping in a bit.

Paying Home Improvement Companies:

Paying home improvement companies in full upfront is not a good idea if you can possibly avoid it. They have little incentive to complete your job as a priority once they have received all the money you will give them. Many home improvement companies require a down payment or partial payment at predetermined stages of the project. This benchmark payment must be based on completion levels and not time increments. As an example, if the project involves rebuilding the roof deck and installing shingles, then one of the benchmarks could be dependent on the installation of the deck and felt.

Ask Your Friends and Relatives:

Find out which home improvement companies your friends and relatives have used successfully as well as which they had unpleasant experiences with. When you notice home improvement projects in your area, ask the homeowners who did the work and how they felt about the results.

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