Carol Patterson864.293.2853
Immediate Updates
Foreclosures
Short Sales
- Home
- Property Search
- VIP Property Search
- Featured Listings
- Lake Communities
- Lake Photo Gallery
- Lakefront Rentals
- How Can a Buyer's Agent Help You?
- Selling Your home?
- Testimonials
- About Us
- Lifestyle Photos
- Greenville Gallery
- Keowee Builder
- Buyer Resources
- Seller Resources
- Links of Interest
- REALTORS® Only
- KW Careers
- Link Exchange
- Contact Us
13 Tips for Hiring a Remodeling Contractor
- Get at least three written estimates.
- Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed.
- Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints.
- Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.
- Make as small of a down payment as possible so you won’t lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job. A down-payment of 25% to 1/3 is reasonable.
- Don't pay anything without a written contract. Handshake agreements are not enforceable in court.
- Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance.
- Check that the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you have if it isn’t. Also, remember that in many instances you can cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.
- Ask if the contractor’s workers will do the entire job or whether subcontractors will be involved too.
- Get the contractor to indemnify you if work does not meet any local building codes or regulations.
- Be sure that the contract specifies the contractor will clean up after the job and be responsible for any damage.
- Guarantee that the materials that will be used meet your specifications.
- Don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the work.