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By Barry S. Ginsburg

The Spring season for home improvement is approaching and many homeowners may be planning a project for their home. The following are a few tips to follow when selecting a company. These tips should assist you in your choice and will help you get your money’s worth.

Contract: It is critical to get it in writing. The contract should include a full description of the work to be performed, the payment schedule and the warranties provided. Remember that warranties are only as good as the company issuing them. It helps if the contractor has been in business for a substantial number of years so that it will be there to assist after the sale, if help is needed.

References: Ask for references from your contractor and the location of recently completed jobs in your neighborhood. Be aware that quality may be the reason one contractor’s price is higher (or lower) than the rest. Be wary if the price of one company is significantly lower than others. Try to determine why the cost difference is so great. Remember, you generally get what you pay for.

Insurance: Be sure that the contractor you select has General Liability and Worker’s Compensation coverage. Some contractors try to lower their price to you by not carrying insurance. This may place you at a legal risk, so be sure your contractor has all the necessary insurance and that you are provided copies of Certificates of Insurance.

Payment Schedule: Most contractors require a deposit at the time a contract is entered into. Be wary of those contractors that want deposits for more than 20% of the job price. Paying too much in advance could set you up for disappointment.

If you pay attention to these tips, choosing a contractor may be a little easier for you and there is a better chance that you will obtain the product or service you want and that you will be satisfied for many years to come.

Barry Ginsburg is the president of Midtown Home Improvements, Inc. of St. Peters, a specialty remodeling company since 1990. Midtown creates custom decks, maintenance free fencing and other projects to change the look of your home.  Use our website as a starting point for your next project. www.Midtownstpeters.com

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