Selecting the Right Contractor For Your Home Improvement Project

With Spring on the horizon, many homeowners will start to get serious about that project they've been considering to either fix-up or add something new to their home. One reason many people put off moving forward is the uncertainty about finding a competent contractor in which to place their trust.

The Certified Contractors Network (www.contractors.net) offers guidelines in their booklet 'How To Make A Successful Construction Investment' which explains the things to consider before moving forward with any contractor. According to Richard Kaller, President of CCN, 'Unlike most other purchases, a consumer does not invest in a home improvement project everyday. As a result, they don't really have the background and expertise to properly evaluate the competency and business ethics of the person who will be working on their home.'

Important questions to ask are:

• Does the contractor have a permanent place of business?
• Does the company carry sufficient insurance, especially Worker's Compensation?
• How long has the contractor been in business?
• What is the company's workmanship warranty?
• What is the contractor's track record for handling customer complaints?

It is also extremely critical to have everything discussed and agreed upon detailed in a written contract with all the project specifics and material clearly spelled out. Allow yourself a minimum of one hour to sit down with each contractor you are considering.

Both parties need to explore the problems, products and prices. You will be surprised by how many options and questions can be discussed with a professional contractor looking to do the right job for a homeowner. Most dissatisfaction involves a homeowner who did not fully know what they selected or committed themselves to.
Studies also clearly show that most dissatisfaction involves the low-bid contractor who generally does not provide the long- term value that a homeowner wants and needs.

For more information you can obtain the CCN booklet by visiting their website, or you can obtain a free copy by contacting Energy Swing Windows at 724-387-2991 or http://www.energyswingwindows.com/  from whom you can also request a free video covering 'The Dozen Questions To Ask Before Investing In New Windows And Doors'.