Sometimes it can be a tough world for us when we don't know what we're talking about or getting ourselves into if our cars break down, our roof starts to leak, or even when our dish washer won't work correctly. The tough part isn't the break down, it's the contractors we call to help us fix the problem. There are some people out there who like to walk all over us when we don't know what the cost should be or how long it should take to fix. Well our good friend Nan Gibbons is back to share with us the Top 8 Tips for Dealing with Contractors and Why Women Should Know Them...
What to Know...
"When choosing a contractor for work on your property, it’s difficult finding a reputable professional with a solid record of good workmanship. If you are a woman, this adds to your difficulty, as many contractors feel it is okay to dupe women. It is therefore important to be knowledgeable about the work that you are hiring for beforehand, to avoid being scammed. Below are some key notes you should be aware of before embarking on a project..."
"This seems like an obvious thing to know, but how many times have you heard an unidentified sound in your car and taken it to the mechanic, not even knowing what was in need of repair? Many mechanics will take advantage of your naïveté and perform unnecessary repairs. Similarly, when you need work done in or around your home, be sure that you know exactly what needs to be done. Familiarize yourself with any technical terms, and have a clear description prepared for potential contractors."
Knowing what kind of work needs to be done is an important part of hiring contractors for home repairs and other projects. Women should be especially aware of this, as they may be more likely to be taken advantage of by contractors. To ensure that you get the best possible service, it’s important to be well-informed and prepared.
First, familiarize yourself with any technical terms that may be used in the work you need done. Do your research to understand the scope of the project, and have a clear description ready for potential contractors. Make sure to ask for references and check them before making any decisions.
When you meet with contractors, be sure to get a detailed estimate of the cost of the work. This should include the cost of materials, labor, and any other associated costs. It’s also important to get a timeline for the project. Make sure to get the contractor’s contact information, and ask for a written agreement that outlines the scope of the project, as well as any payment terms.
"It is rare that you will require a service that has not already been performed by other contractors countless times before. Consequently, there are testimonials about similar projects that will attest to how difficult and physically challenging it will be. This will influence your prospective contractor’s overall price, and should be taken into account when planning your budget, and when interviewing candidates."
When it comes to hiring a contractor for a project, it is important to understand the amount of labor that will go into it. This will affect the overall cost of the project, and should be taken into account when planning the budget. It is also important to research the project and read testimonials from other contractors who have performed similar projects in the past. This will give you an idea of how physically demanding the project will be and what kind of challenges may arise.
When interviewing potential contractors, make sure to ask about their experience with similar projects. Ask for references from past customers, and make sure to check them. Also, ask for a detailed breakdown of the project and the estimated labor hours. This will help you understand the full scope of the project and the amount of labor that will be required.
In addition, make sure to discuss the payment terms, and the time frame for completion. Ask the contractor if there are any additional costs, such as materials or equipment, that will need to be purchased. It is also important to discuss the terms of the contract, and any additional services that the contractor will provide.
"As stated before, it is likely that a project similar to yours has already been completed. If you are having your basement sealed or your house re-roofed (or whatever it is that you want done), you will be able to find pictures of projects that were done correctly and incorrectly, which will ensure that you receive the best quality of work possible."
Women should be aware of the potential risks and rewards associated with hiring contractors. It is important to find a reputable contractor who is experienced and trustworthy. Before signing a contract, research the contractor's background, check references, and make sure they are properly licensed and insured.
When it comes to the actual project, make sure to have a clear understanding of what you want to be done and what the finished product should look like. If possible, find pictures of similar projects that have already been completed. This will help you get an idea of what the finished project should look like and ensure the quality of the work.
It is also important to have a written contract that outlines the scope of work, the timeline, and the cost. Make sure to read the contract carefully and ask questions if you don't understand something. It is also a good idea to have a third party review the contract to make sure all of the details are in order.
Finally, make sure to keep a record of all communication with the contractor. This includes emails, phone calls, letters, and any other correspondence. This will help you keep track of the progress of the project and provide you with a paper trail should any issues arise.
"Read others’ accounts of similar projects. How long did their contractor take to complete the task? By learning this, you will be able to avoid paying for a month’s worth of work that should only have taken two weeks to complete. This will save you time and money in the long-run, and will reduce the amount of headaches that you will have as your project progresses."
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Women should be aware of the importance of taking the time to research contractors and the job they will be doing. It is important to read reviews and ask for references from previous clients before hiring a contractor. Additionally, it is a good idea to get a rough estimate of the time needed for the job. This can be done by reading others’ accounts of similar projects and finding out how long the contractor took to complete the task. This will help to ensure that the job is completed in a timely manner and that the contractor is not taking too long to finish the job.
It is also important to make sure that the contractor is licensed and insured. This will provide protection in the event that something goes wrong with the job. Additionally, it is important to get a written estimate from the contractor and make sure that all of the terms and conditions are clearly stated in the contract. This will help to ensure that both parties are aware of what is expected and that the job is completed as agreed upon.
"If you have trouble finding information like this, there are forums in which you can ask specific questions and receive valid answers. Many popular projects (siding your home, tree removal, etc.) have hidden costs, and it is important to know these beforehand so you won’t be surprised when your contractor’s quoted cost is higher than what you had anticipated."
It's important for women to be knowledgeable about contractors and the costs associated with projects. This is especially true when it comes to home improvement projects, as hidden costs can quickly add up. Knowing what materials are needed and what the rough cost estimates are ahead of time can help you budget and plan for the project.
When researching materials and costs, it's important to make sure you're getting reliable information. Online forums can be a great source of information, but it's important to make sure you're getting valid answers. It's also important to be aware of the hidden costs associated with certain projects. For example, siding your home may require additional materials like insulation, and tree removal may require additional equipment and services like stump grinding. Knowing these costs ahead of time can help you budget and plan accordingly.
It's also important to be aware of the different types of contractors available. For example, general contractors may be able to handle a variety of tasks, while specialty contractors may be better suited for certain projects. Knowing which type of contractor is best suited for your project can help ensure that the job is done correctly and to your satisfaction.
"While some contractors may charge more due to their experience and expertise in a given field, or because they use higher-quality materials than their counterparts, it is always a good idea to shop around a little before agreeing to a quoted price. Try to find a high-low range, and settling somewhere just above the average price. This will ensure a reasonable price, and good-quality work."
When dealing with contractors, it is important to know the pricing range of the job you are asking them to do. While some contractors may charge more due to their experience and expertise in a given field, or because they use higher-quality materials than their counterparts, it is always a good idea to shop around a little before agreeing to a quoted price. Try to find a high-low range, and settling somewhere just above the average price. This will ensure a reasonable price and good-quality work.
It is also important to get multiple quotes from different contractors. This way, you can compare the prices and services offered and make an informed decision. Additionally, make sure to ask for references and reviews from past customers before hiring a contractor. This will help you determine the quality of work the contractor can provide.
It is also important to read the contract carefully before signing it. Make sure that all of the terms and conditions are clearly stated, and that you understand them. Additionally, ask the contractor for a detailed timeline of the project. This will ensure that the job is completed in a timely manner.
Finally, make sure to pay the contractor in full only after the job is completed. This will help protect you from any potential scams.
"It’s one thing if a contractor assures you that they are the best candidate for the job, but what do others have to say about them? My mother recently needed work done on her driveway, and rather than hiring the first contractor she found in the phone book, she researchedSan Jose contractors on the Internet. By reading what customers had to say, she was able to make an informed choice, and she paid less and had better-quality work done in the long run."
"While interviewing contractors, have them describe how they foresee the project progressing, important things to know about the work that will be done, their tentative schedule, any problems they anticipate, and so forth. Listen critically and pay attention to descriptions that don’t match what you have researched. Don’t be afraid to ask relevant questions and use appropriate terms, so they understand that you aren’t someone who will be easily manipulated or taken advantage of."
"With a little research and a lot of commonsense, you can avoid being cheated or taken advantage of, and you can find a contractor that is well-suited to your needs and desires. Once you have formed this relationship, it will be easier to find someone the next time, as you will have more confidence and experience the next time around."
Thanks to Nan Gibbons, who writes for Menshealthpdand EatBreatheBlog, for sharing with us these tips that we should use the next time we need home or car repair. Remember not all contractors are out to get one over on us, but just be careful of those who might.
Top Image: HowStuffWorks
When hiring a contractor for a home or car repair, it is important to do research and use common sense. Make sure to ask the contractor to describe the work that will be done, their tentative schedule, any potential problems they anticipate, and any other details that are important to know. Listen critically and pay attention to any descriptions that may not match what you have researched. It is also important to ask relevant questions and use the appropriate terminology, so the contractor understands that you are not someone who can be easily manipulated.
Once you have formed a relationship with the contractor, it will be easier to find someone the next time you need home or car repair. This is because you will have more confidence and experience in the process. It is also important to remember that not all contractors are out to take advantage of you, but it is important to be aware of those who might.
It is also important to consider the contractor’s qualifications and experience. Make sure to ask for references and check them out thoroughly. Ask for a written contract that outlines the scope of the work, the cost, and any other details that are important. Finally, make sure to get estimates from multiple contractors before making a decision.