Choosing a Contractor
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.