Choosing a Contractor

contractors When choosing a contractor for any fuels reduction project, it is a good idea to follow these guidelines:

Plan your project thoroughly, making your priorities clear.
Shop around before hiring someone; get a list of at least three written bids on your project.
When requesting bids, provide contractors with accurate plans or drawings that will enable them to make an appropriate bid for the scope of work.
Make sure the contractor is properly licensed.
Pay only 10 percent of the project price or $1,000 as a down payment, whichever is less, and make sure your contract provides for a “retention.”
Make sure everything you and your contractor have agreed to is included in your contract, and don’t sign anything until you understand and agree with all terms.
Ask your contractor about inconveniences that may occur, and plan accordingly.
Keep a job file.
Take precautions to prevent mechanic’s liens from being filed against your property and ask for lien releases from subcontractors and materials suppliers.
Make frequent inspections of the work, including a final walk-through.