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Premiere Home Realty Inc - Cheap Fix Ups Cheap Fix Ups:
Tony Barker considers helping people understand how to sell their homes. Using a contractor (or sub) can be scary if you do not know what to do. Here are a few of my recommendations to avoid problems.
HIRING:
Making the right hire is critical. Finding contactors by word of mouth, yellow pages or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is fine. Finding sub-contractors is a skill. You can recruit from new home job sites. If you see a guy carrying a pipe wrench he may be a plumber, ask if he freelances. Covered in sheetrock dust... you get the idea. Check with the people he said he did work before. Go to the place with permission to see the work. If he agrees with the below items, he/she may work out. If not find someone else.

ROLES AND EXPECTATIONS:
Conflict arises when expectations differ. Make sure you both are on the same page. Write your expectations of him and what he can expect from you. See below items for that guide. Remember, you get to chose you want to help you. Be picky as a bad decision can be a disaster. Additionally, this contract should be in writing even on a napkin and in plain english, signed and dated by both parties.

START AND COMPLETION:
I like to ask when can they start and how soon to finish completely, including clean-up and out of the house. Assure them to take the time they really need because you will hold them to it. You can add a performance bonus to finish on time and a penalty to end late. Make sure they agree and put it in writing.

TIMES OF WORK:
It is good to know when they show up each day and what days they come. Do you want them on Sundays? At 7am or 9am or any ole time. What about when they leave? Do you want them there till midnight, 5pm or again, any ole time? Big questions for both you and them.

CLEAN UP:
Two clean up expections involve daily and at the end of the job. Do they leave the scrap on the curb or taken away? Do you get a construction dumpster? Again this is important to both of you.

MATERIALS:
Do they buy or do you buy the materials? I recommend you buy with them and get their discount, even if you write them a check at check-out to re-imburse them. Remember contractors like to make money on labor and materials. Either way decide this on the front end. Do not forget about delivery versus pick-up. Also do you have a place to store the materials that will not get in the way or get ruined in the weather. Covered porches and party tents can be a big help. Sometimes the store will supply pallets to keep the materials off the ground.

PAYMENT:
An expectation of payment can cause emotions to jump if not decided up front. Most contractors insist on half up front. Your risk goes way up if you do this. My suggestion is to insist on "labor payment at the end of the job when completed to the home owner's satisfaction". That phrase written keeps you a sought after client instead of a irritating nag. Ignore the hard luck stories and point to the contract terms. Pay with personal check. If they need cash, follow them to your bank to cash. This will keep a record in case they say you did not pay. Note: Anyone can file a mechanics lien on your property for non-payment. Keep a copy of the cancelled check with your signed contract.

WARRANTY and GUARANTEES:
Ask if they have any warrantied or guarantees. Texas has a general workmanship and materials warranty for all work and services but it never hurts to get it in writing. Remember, you may need permits to get this work done. Your "blue pages" of your phone book can direct you to all agencies that assist you on permits and fees.

REFERRALS and COMPLAINTS:
It is always important to get referrals from each person you use. If they cannot provide any, pass on them. It is more work but not as much as fixing a big mess. Additionally look for complaints on the BBB page or other local services. Many individuals are not bonded and insured, contractors will/should be. Make sure your home owners policy is in force.

HINTS FOR GOOD RELATIONS:
When hiring a person, group or company, note that people do the work. Even with high expectations, courtesy and kindness is alway appreciated. You can be strict but fair, precise but nice. I recommend bringing drinks and asking what kind they like for the next time. Bring sandwiches and snacks. Allow music at a reasonable level. All can make the work experience good for you and them. It allows conflicts to stay low if you are nice and polite. It also allows for them to go the extra mile as they see fit.

SECURITY:
Keep valueables, weapons, prescriptions and most importantly your children away from the work site/area. Out of site, out of temptaton, tell your kids the work may be interesting but not worth the risk.

Click here to see Tony Barker's Biography.