| Nine ways to safely choose the best contractor for your project: |
| |
- Get one to three estimates from qualified contractors
- Check with Maryland
Home Improvement Commission to ensure
current licensing, bonding and insurance.
- Contact the BBB to check on number
(if any) of complaints and resolution of these complaints.
- Speak to
at least three references
- Check independent ratings and reviews
- Check affiliates i.e.
NARI, local Chamber of Commerce or other agencies or associations
- Evaluate length of time in business
(The average contractor lasts under 2 years)
- Length and quality of warranty
- Will they provide
proof they have called Miss
Utility BEFORE they dig near
your
utilities?
|
| How to avoid common mistakes that WILL cost you
plenty: |
| |
- Poor design – too small or too large, wrong spot/lay-out
- Going with a contractor JUST BECAUSE he is the cheapest bid
- Doing it yourself
- Taking full responsibility by pulling
your own permits
- Accepting a materials only warranty
- Signing a contract
with no start and completion dates
- Giving a check to
an unlicensed contractor
- Contractor failing to get city/town
approval as well as county approval.
|
| Six important misconceptions |
| |
- Cheapest = Best
- All decks are the same – “A
Deck is a deck”
- Composites are more expensive to
own
- Warranty on materials only – “All warranties
are the same”
- References are not worth calling
- All Pressure Treated
wood is safe.
|
| Eight ways to identify a safe deck |
| |
- Double bolted rail posts
- Slip resistant steps
- Stabilized foundation system
- Safety beams
- Lighted steps
- Ledger protection from rain and water
damage
- Pressure Treated wood is NOT C.C.A.(Barron Brothers
uses only ACQ. ARSENIC FREE formula)
- Exterior hardware is
compatible with the ACQ
treatment(pdf) in the wood.(if not in
months the wood will attack
metal it comes in contact with ie..
siding/nails in house ect…)
|
| How to identify and avoid the
latest scams and fly-by-nights: |
| |
- Giving more than 33% deposit
- Vague or undefined work
agreements
- No start or completion times
- No Affiliations or Associations
listings
- No references or Bad references
- Little or no warranty
(The State of MD requires a minimum of a two-year warranty)
- No MHIC Contractor and Sales License
|
| How to assure you will get what you want: |
| |
- Communicate all your needs
- Look beyond the price
and consider the value
- Have your plot plan, with building
restrictions, ready for review before design
- Insist on
pre-construction meeting with your service team BEFORE the
project starts
- Make sure all of your expectations are
down in writing
- Have your Home Owners Association requirements
ready.
|
