Home repair and construction are a great way to increase the value of your home. However, there are many factors to take into consideration. You’ll want to make sure the work is done correctly and in accordance with the law. For example, if you install a new door, you’ll need a permit, and you may need a local building inspector to review the work.
It’s also important to hire the right people to do the work. There are two types of contractors, a general contractor and a subcontractor. The difference is that a general contractor is an overall coordinator of a larger project, while a subcontractor is an individual or company that specializes in a particular skill or trade.
When hiring a handyman in St. Petersburg, be sure to check his or her licensing and insurance. If you’re in Illinois, contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office. This agency can help you settle any disputes you might have with a contractor.
Also, don’t hire a contractor just because he or she is listed in the Yellow Pages. Check the Contractors’ Register for complaints against contractors. Ask friends, family members, and other professional organizations about contractors in your area.
A home repair and construction business require a certain amount of skills and motivation to do the work. If you don’t enjoy your work, you’ll lose interest, and you might not earn as much as you could. Likewise, if you don’t have the right tools or equipment, you won’t be able to do your job effectively.
Before you hire a contractor, ask him, or her for three written estimates. These should include an itemized list of all the materials and labor required, as well as any charge for an estimate. Make sure the contractor has liability insurance and follows written warranties.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you should never pay a contractor for work until all subcontractors are paid. In fact, you may be entitled to a refund of any payments you’ve made to a contractor. And, if you don’t follow up with a contractor about a problem with your work, you may have to hire another contractor to repair the problem.
Home repairs are often a frustrating process. When you’re working on a home improvement project, you don’t want to waste your time. Set up specifications for your work and avoid unnecessary tasks. As you complete the project, make sure you keep a log of everything that’s done.
Before you start, you’ll need a business name. Your logo will also help customers remember you. Once you have the name and logo, you’ll need to find a place to conduct business. Angie’s List is a great resource for finding customers, as are Craigslist and Thumbtack. Using these resources can save you a lot of money in the long run.
You can use an online estimating tool to quickly generate an estimate. For example, FreshBooks offers an online estimating system that you can use to turn an estimate into an invoice.