My father was a master carpenter
and I remember his huge tool box full of tools and other equipment that he used
to maintain my childhood home. I was
impressed with his ability to make his measurements and calculations - they had
to be precise. “Measure twice, cut once”,
he always said. I learned quite a bit
about home repairs by tagging along sometimes, but clearly not nearly
enough. I can’t tell you the number of
times that I wished I paid more attention to the steps and process of
completing certain repairs. Don’t think
for a minute I’m interested in doing any of that stuff – I’m not. But, I understand the importance of knowing
how things should be done correctly – there is a right way and a wrong way to
do everything, especially when it comes to home repairs. Repairs could be a costly situation,
especially if you have to correct an error that was made by the last
contractor. Just a few tips for the
Diva who is contemplating getting home repairs done.
1. Word
of mouth is the best way to find a contractor.
Ask trusted neighbors, your friends or family members. Someone may have used someone that did an
excellent job for them.
2. Plumbers,
electricians and every contractor in between can be costly. It’s important to get bids on the job you
need to complete. Ask questions
pertaining to how it will be done and the timeline.
3. Make
sure you get an itemized agreement. Know
what they are going to do, using what type of materials and when the job can be
expected to be completed.
4. This
should actually be first on the list.
Never pay up front. Don’t take
away the best incentive to get your job done timely and properly. Pay by check never cash.
5. Know
who you’re doing business with and who will be coming into your home. Nothing is more upsetting than to meet
someone you feel you can trust to have him send back Pooky and his cousin to do
the actual work.
6. Research
the job you need done. It’s important to
be somewhat knowledgeable about the job you need to complete. Using the wrong supplies or materials means
what goes up easy will come down the same way.
7. Choose
your products where possible – you’ll know what the value and quality of it is.
8. Someone
needs to shadow your contractor. It
helps to ask questions (not too many though) along the way. It's important to have the opportunity to stop the job if you
don’t like something, before it gets done.
Also, every Diva knows, you trust no one with the run of your
house. Yep, got to know where they are
and that the job is being completed in a timely manner, especially if you are
paying by the hour.
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