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Okay, we have a lot of storm damage from hurricane Ike. We have talked with a ARS Remodeling Services. We have meet with him three times. This past Saturday, we had a meeting to go over the job. He did not provide an itemized list with prices. He asked for 5,000 to get started. He said that would cover a weeks worth of pay for his services. This did not include materials. We do not have an itemized list or contract. Also, we asked him and found out that he did not have insurance. We do not feel comfortable without having a itemized list or contract. He has stated that he could do the whole job for 35,000.

As I stated, he does not have an itemized list nor any contract. We talked about a lot of things we wanted done and repaired. If we wanted to use him, how do we go about getting him to give us an itemized statement and we are really concerned with what the bottom number is. What about him not having insurance? What should we do? We don't want to run out of money?

Submitted: 70 days and 5 hours ago.

Category: Home Improvement

Value: $15

Status: CLOSED

Posted by Rick 70 days and 4 hours ago.

Answer

Hi XXXXXXXX
Judging from your description I would run as fast as I could to get away from this guy. You need a written contract with all the work to be done including what materials will be used spelled out . You don't need (and probably won't get) an itemized list of materials with prices but as long as you have a fixed price for a specific scope of work to be done a material price breakdown is not really necessary. You also need to hire somebody that is insured with both general liability and workers comp.
Even if you get a detailed contract there may be concealed damaged that no one could predict so you should hold as much as 15 to 20% in reserve if possible

70 days and 4 hours ago.

Reply

Okay, show shouldn't we at least have a general idea of how much each job will cost? We are not asking for an itemized material list ...just need too know how much approximately each job will cost. So, when we are hiring a contractor for a job, what are some of teh question's we should ask? Should we have at least three bids to compare? Basically, I guess I am asking the rule of thumb when hiring a contrator. What is the prodical? We have been taken once by a contractor so, go you please give me a list of things we should secure to before even beginning with having someone come out and bid the job?

Thank you,

DeLinda

Accepted Answer

It is best to get 3 bids for any work but if you have several projects you should only hire one contractor to do them all. You can ask for each individual job to be separated out so you can better budget for the project(s). You should be able to get a fixed price to do a particular project not just a loosey goosey idea. As I said before any fixed cost can only include what can be seen. If there is hidden damage that will incur more expense.

Every contractor you consider should be licensed (if required) and insured. You can call your local building inspector to find out what licenses may be required for your type of work. If he (or she) is licensed check with the State licensing agency to be sure there are no complaints against them. Get references and check them out. Any decent contractor should be able to provide dozens but 5 or 6 will do. Ask for references from the contractor's suppliers as well. If he isn't paying his bills on time he might just take your money and run. But above all and more important than price is your sense of the individual. Your radar should be on high alert for anything that doesn't feel right. If you aren't comfortable with with the contractor before the job starts it will only get worse if and when the work starts.
Your description of your current prospect is a classic example of what to avoid in a contractor.

Accepts:
Expert:	Rick
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Answered:	9/13/2009

General C&ontractor

Licensed Construction Supervisor & Remodeling Contractor 35+ years experience

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