How to Hire a Home Improvement Contractor
How to Hire a Home Improvement Contractor AARP Livable Communities
4. Compare contractors Meet with more than one contractor. (At least three is a good number.) Make sure the contractors do the kind of work you are interested in and ask how long they have been in business. Ask for proof that they are licensed, bonded and covered by worker's compensation and liability insurance. Check references from past clients. (Download and use the worksheets and to record information about each candidate you're considering.) 5. Ask for estimates Estimates should detail the materials to be used, the labor charges, the start and end dates, and the total cost.
6. Get everything in writing Don’t approve any plans you don’t understand. Never sign a contract with any blanks, and do keep a copy of everything you sign. Take your time to make a decision and, remember, genuinely good deals will still be there tomorrow. 7. Don't pay the final bill until all the work is complete Be sure all required building authorities have inspected the work and get a written statement that the contractor has paid all of the subcontractors and suppliers.
Ask about the AARP Livability Index by completing this .
AARP Members: For questions about your benefits, AARP The Magazine or the AARP Bulletin, visit the page or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277). Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
How to Hire a Home Improvement Contractor
Here' s the homework you need to do before letting someone work on your home
Finding the right skilled help for a home update or repair project requires more than just opening the phone book or surfing the Internet. Unfortunately, there are lots of bogus home repair contractors who will take your money and run. Here's the homework you need to do when hiring someone to work on your home. Free and available in five languages Also free and available in five languages 1. Make a list of what you need done Write down exactly what you want a home improvement contractor to do. 2. Seek recommendations from family and friends Beware the stranger who shows up at your home unannounced and says something like, "I'm on a job in the area already so I can give you a good price." This is rarely a smart choice and could be a scam. (Visit for more about protecting yourself from scammers.) 3. Check the recommendations Once you have a list of names, do some research on them. The can tell you if complaints have been filed been against a contractor or company. Also, although having a state license doesn’t guarantee reliability, it’s a minimum qualification a contractor should have.4. Compare contractors Meet with more than one contractor. (At least three is a good number.) Make sure the contractors do the kind of work you are interested in and ask how long they have been in business. Ask for proof that they are licensed, bonded and covered by worker's compensation and liability insurance. Check references from past clients. (Download and use the worksheets and to record information about each candidate you're considering.) 5. Ask for estimates Estimates should detail the materials to be used, the labor charges, the start and end dates, and the total cost.
6. Get everything in writing Don’t approve any plans you don’t understand. Never sign a contract with any blanks, and do keep a copy of everything you sign. Take your time to make a decision and, remember, genuinely good deals will still be there tomorrow. 7. Don't pay the final bill until all the work is complete Be sure all required building authorities have inspected the work and get a written statement that the contractor has paid all of the subcontractors and suppliers.
Stay Informed — For Free
The weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities e-Newsletter provides local leaders with information and inspiration for making their town, city or neighborhood more livable for older adults and people of all ages.AARP org Livable
Enter a topic, name, place, etc. See past issues:Our Free Publications
See the complete list atFollow Us
Facebook: Twitter:Contact Us
Email AARP Livable Communities at .Ask about the AARP Livability Index by completing this .
AARP Members: For questions about your benefits, AARP The Magazine or the AARP Bulletin, visit the page or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277). Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures