Planning upgrades and additions to your new home? Adding a room, ready for the new kitchen, or adding a stall shower in the master bath? Whatever your home improvement plan, follow a few simple tips to keep from getting ripped off by a less-than-reputable contractor. Scammers are out there, so keep yourself protected.

-Beware of contractors that solicit door to door offering big discounts or just happen to have building materials left over from another job “down the street”.

-Contractors not willing to accept personal checks from you, requiring only cash payments for the work completed.

-Don’t allow yourself to get pressured into making an immediate decision on the work to be done.

-Beware of a contractor that requires payment for the entire job up front.

Interview all of the contractors you are considering for your home improvement job. Find out if they are licensed and registered with the state and how long they have been in business. Ask to see their license and make sure it is current. Find out how many similar projects they have successfully completed, and if they are well versed in the various steps to complete the job properly. Ask if they intend to use subcontractors on the project and make sure they pay these professionals following their service—avoid being the victim of a mechanic’s lien that could be placed on your home if the contractor fails to pay the subcontractor in full. Have your contractor, all subcontractors and suppliers working on the job provide a lien release or lien waiver. Be sure the contractor carries insurance and find out the type that they carry. You will want to ask for copies of the insurance certificates.

Research, review and follow-up during the hiring process so you find the perfect professionals to complete your job efficiently, on time and on budget.

If you would like to learn more about luxury homes in La Quinta, California, or surrounding areas please visit our site at:

http://www.desertrealestateprices.com/

If you would like to find out how much your home is worth, please visit our site at:

http://www.deserthousevalues.com/

If you would like a list of bank owned Homes in the Palm Springs area, please visit our site at:

http://www.desertbankownedhomes.com/

 

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