If you haven’t done so already, now is the perfect time to start setting some resolutions for ways to improve your life in 2013.
One of the easiest and most cost-effective upgrades you can make in the coming year is to your home. And whether your goal is to add a little more space to a living area or completely redo the kitchen or master bath, every project has to start somewhere.
Finding the right person to do the job can be daunting. Do you blindly pick a flashy advertisement? Or do you go with the company offering an introductory deal that seems too good to pass up?
As a leader in home improvements, Windows Hawaii can help answer your questions and has offered five top tips to choosing the right contractor:
1) Make sure the contractor has a license. There are many people out there willing to pose as legitimate contractors, but they may not be qualified or legally licensed to make this claim. You can verify a license online at pvl.ehawaii.gov/pvlsearch/app or by calling 586-2700.
2) Check if the contractor has insurance. All quality contractors carry workers compensation, as required by law, as well as general liability insurance. They should be able to show you current certificates of insurance to prove they have coverage. The minimum should be $1 million.
3) Is the contractor a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB)? The BBB is a public service that provides consumers with a place to rate a contractor, solve disputes and file complaints if necessary. An A+ rating is the highest grade given.
4) Ask the contractor for a bid. Many contractors will offer a free estimate of how much they project the project will cost. Go to several different contractors, then compare bids. If the price is too low, that is usually a red flag that the contractor is creating cheap jobs or cutting corners. The general rule is to toss out the low, toss out the high, and go with the guy in the middle.
5) How long has the contractor been in business? The answer should be straight-forward: “We’ve been in business for more than 10 years.” But beware of the guys who say, “We’ve been in business for more than 25 years, but this is a new venture.” If in doubt, ask for references. A well-established contractor will be more than happy to direct you to former clients or show you a profile of past jobs.
Other things to keep in mind are if the contractor has a place of business, such as a showroom or warehouse, and if the contractor has a staff of workers versus someone who relies strictly on subcontractors, which are generally cheaper, less-experienced sources of labor.
As a business built on referrals from satisfied customers, Windows Hawaii learned long ago that providing quality materials and friendly services result in longevity in the home-improvement industry.
You can learn more by calling Windows Hawaii at 671-0808 or by going online to www.windowshawaii.com.
WINDOWS HAWAII
contact // 671-0808
address // 94-480 Akoki St. Unit 4
web // www.windows-hawaii.com • www.northwestexteriors.com
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