Home Improvement Advice: For Seniors

by Stewart
(Colmar, PA)

When it comes to hiring a Contractor for Home Improvements, Renovations and Additions, Seniors: BE VERY CAREFUL !

You need to do your Homework, before obtaining any quotes.

• Sit down and make a list of exactly what you want done. ( Kitchen, Bathroom, Basement, etc..)
  
• Include demolition (removal of specific items)
  
• Make a drawing of the renovation or remodel you are planning. It does not have to be a blueprint, just a drawing to convey your ideas to a professional.
  
• Make a list of: Major components, brands & appliances, that you want to include. If you are not totally sure: Go to Lowes, Home Depot or other local Home Improvement Centers & look.

Now the fun begins: Getting Quotes

This is a very serious step, and must be done wisely and properly, to avoid potential problems down the road here.

You must first sit down and establish a Realistic Budget. What are you willing & able to spend for your Project, to be professionally completed. Remember, you get what you pay for ! If you are on a tight budget and going economy, do not expect granite & marble, use less expensive materials. On the flip side, if you are going with a higher budget, you can price out higher grade materials.

Finding a Professional, Local, Competent & Affordable Contractor: That's a mouth full. Have any of your family or friends used a good contractor lately ? References are a very good start. If not, open up your yellow pages, and confidently begin your quest.

Some Do's & Don'ts:

A potential contractor should:

1. Be willing to sit down with you and totally review your project requirements.
   
2. Take preliminary measurements and pictures of the area(s)they will be working in.
   
3. Supply you with a detailed & accurate quote.
   QUOTE: Not an estimate ! Note: Beware of Low Bidders, who present general quotes and not enough detail. The odds are there will be missing parts and/or labor, that will definitely be an ADDITION: No good: This is dishonest.
   
4. ASK QUESTIONS, If you feel something should be listed in your quote, and it is not: Put it in: Your Copy & the Contractors, and both of you initial it!
   
5. Ask for references, and pictures of their work. Both should be readily available to you.
   
6. WARRANTY: All work should come with a
   Warranty: " We warranty all workmanship against defect, for 1 year." Is a good example.

We hope that this information will help you.