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On The Level Newsletter                June 2013, Volume VI, Issue II

Cari Barron | Contractor Hotline | [email protected]

425.775.9085 | www.contractorhotline.net

In This Issue
What's Happening in Edmonds!
How To Hire A Contractor 8 Essential Steps
Featured Project
Edmonds Business Expo  
   Join us at the Edmonds Business Expo, Sat, June 1 from 10-4 pm, located at the Edmonds Conference Center, 201 4th Ave N. Acquaint yourself with a variety of new service businesses, along with those who have been part of the community for years. We hope to see you there.
Free Admission!

That same day, take a stroll through the Edmonds Farmers Market,
open Sat from 9-2 pm and conveniently located at 5th & Bell, just one block from the Business Expo.

Edmonds Waterfront Festival
If that's not enough to entice you, the Edmonds Waterfront Festival is the same weekend!
Free shuttle
service from the Business Expo to the Waterfront Festival.
I have used four roofers on several buildings in recent history and this was hands down my best experience. ~ W. Packard, Seattle

 

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Habitat for Humanity
Help support Habitat for Humanity simply by using our services. For every job completed, small or large, we will donate a portion of the proceeds directly to this humanitarian, non-profit organization.   
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is your FREE resource for dependable, home improvement professionals who have been carefully pre-screened and proven to be some of the best in their field. Whether you have an immediate problem or a long-range plan to refurbish your home we can help.

 

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Greetings!

Cari

If you are planning a home improvement project this summer, it is important to take time to carefully consider who you want to help do the job. This issue of On The Level will help guide you through the process. Please see more details below on How To Hire A Contractor - 8 Essential Steps.  

 

Is your home 'underwater'? Don't miss our Featured Project at the very bottom of the newsletter for a different take on this all too familiar phrase.

 

If you are looking for something fun to do this coming weekend, there is a LOT going on in Edmonds. Choose from the Edmonds Business Expo, Farmer's Market, and Waterfront Festival - or attend all three and truly make it an Edmonds kind of day! See the side bar for details and links for each event.

 

Thank you for your interest and enjoy your summer!

Signature 

Cari Barron

 

Contractor Hotline

Email: [email protected] 

425.775.9085

www.contractorhotline.net 

How To Hire A Contractor -
8 Essential Steps

 

Step 1 - Compile A List 

The first step is coming up with a list of potentially suitable contractors to consider for your project. You or someone you know may work in a related industry, such as an appraiser, inspector, or Realtor. They often have a list of reputable home improvement professionals they have come to know and trust. You may have a neighbor, friend, or relative who had good luck with a particular contractor for their own projects. You can also rely on Contractor Hotline to connect you with contractors who meet the requirements for your type of project. This approach moves you through the process more quickly than starting from scratch. Whatever method you use, there remains much to consider when narrowing down your choices and making a final decision.

 

Step 2 - Be Prepared 

There is a lot to think about when planning a home improvement project. Prior to meeting with contractors, be as prepared as possible. Design, material selection, making sure proper permits are obtained, to ultimately completing your project on budget requires careful planning. The better prepared you are from the start the more smoothly the project will go. Unless you are experienced in this field, you will most likely rely on outside sources to guide you through the process. 

 

The contractors must have a good understanding of your needs, wishes, and limitations to provide a comprehensive bid and scope of work. Larger projects will require plans prepared by an architectural designer. Having a solid idea of design, material choices, and budget are critical to ensure you collect comparable, apples to apples proposals.

 

Step 3 - Interview Contractors 

You could be working closely with a contractor in your home for several months. Selecting a professional that is well-suited for your particular type of project, has a solid reputation, and who possesses an agreeable personality are all important considerations. Take a few minutes initially on the phone with each prospective contractor to help determine who you want to consider for your project. Have they worked on similar projects as yours? Can they provide references for those projects? Will they provide financial references from suppliers? What is their availability for your project? Narrow it down to three or four contractors who satisfied your initial questions and schedule an appointment to meet in person. In the meantime, check with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries and Better Business Bureau for any disputes with clients or subcontractors.

 

Step 4 - Review Proposals 

A comprehensive proposal should include a scope of work, materials needed/agreed upon, subcontractors to be used, estimated time to complete the project, price, permit fees, payment terms, warranties, and procedures for change orders. For large projects, a payment schedule usually starts with 10-20 percent at contract signing, three payments of 25 percent evenly spaced over the duration of the project, and a check for the final 5-15 percent when you feel every item on the punch list has been completed.

 

You get what you pay for is especially true when hiring a contractor. Beware of the lowball bid. The contractor may be cutting corners or desperate for work, both cause for concern. Hiring a contractor that is not licensed, bonded, and insured places the consumer at significant risk and can cost thousands more in the long run. Most importantly, you want to select someone who is reputable, competent, and communicates well. Ultimately, it is best to spend a bit more on a contractor who provides quality work and who you are comfortable having in your home. 

 

Step 5 - Check References  

Before making your decision final, check with some references of former clients, preferably who had projects similar to yours. Ask if you can see the finished product. Visit a current job site. Does it appear safe? Are subcontractors and employees professional and courteous? Are proper measures being taken to protect the homeowner's property?

 

Step 6 - Finalize A Contract 

Once you decide on a contractor, have a final contract drawn up that details the original scope of work and proposal including materials, subcontractors, price, permit fees, payment terms, warranties, and change order procedures; proof of liability insurance, worker's compensation payments, and a security or performance bond; start date and projected completion date; and a requirement that the contractor obtain lien releases from all subcontractors and suppliers. For residential jobs over $1000, the contractor must provide the property owner a Disclosure Statement outlining the customer's rights and responsibilities and information regarding liens. 

 

Step 7 - Meet Regularly 

Once work begins meet with the contractor regularly. Make sure work is progressing according to the contract and schedule. Check that the proper permits have been obtained and required inspections are conducted.  

 

Step 8 - Final Walk-Through 

Once the project is completed, do a final walk-through with the contractor. Make sure any items on the punch list are completed before making final payment. If you request lien release documents, avoid making final payment for work performed until you have received the lien release.

 

Our expertise is matching customers with the most appropriate contractor for their project. We do the initial work to ensure they are professional and dependable. Each contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured, successfully passed a thorough screening process including reference checks and regular credential audits, and continue to meet high standards of workmanship. We are committed to helping our customers achieve their home improvement dreams and goals, safely and efficiently. Please let us know how we can help with your next project.  

 

Featured Project

This sure brings new meaning to the term 'underwater'! This beach front home in West Seattle experienced the wrath of nature when last winter's King Tides flooded the property, along with many neighboring homes. Our contractors quickly sprang into action. Once they resolved the drainage issues they had the messy job of gutting the entire lower level unit, hauling away multiple loads of waterlogged debris. Then the real fun began as they worked diligently to restore the home back to an adorable, beach front hideaway.

Lower unit flooded


Entire Interior Gutted
Inside - After Repairs
Before
After Interior East
After

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