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Home owners who have never hired a contractor for home repairs often approach the task anxiously, especially if they have heard or read about the all-too-frequent horror stories. Any home owner who has seen the 1986 movie "The Money Pit" (Tom Hanks, Shelley Long) should of course repeat "it's only a movie".

My homeowner clients often ask me (as their engineer) to recommend a contractor. Although I do provide recommendations, I emphasize that the owners must obtain adequate information by asking questions. Owners should also obtain quotes from two or more contractors.

INFORMATION WITH QUOTATION

Except for perhaps a very small project, a written quotation should be obtained from each contractor bidding on the work. The quote should include the following information;

1- Clear, detailed description of work to be performed. For large remodeling projects, design documents may be necessary. If applicable, design documents should be referenced in the written scope of work. The issue of design is discussed below.

2- Proposed schedule and provisions for delays, both expected and unexpected.

3- Working hours and conditions of work, such as requirements for keeping the site free from hazards.

4- Standard regulations that govern work, including contractor license. Provisions about a building permit should be included.

5- Evidence of insurance (general and workers compensation).

6- Provisions to govern "change orders", which are changes made or requested by the owner after construction proceeds.

7- Cost breakdown as appropriate considering the size and complexity of the project. Costs for various options should be listed if applicable.

Any "standard" agreement proposed by the contractor should be reviewed very carefully by the owner. Such "standard" agreements are always written to favor the contractor, sometimes unfairly.

For any project, attorney review of a written agreement should be considered. For larger (more costly) projects such as a large addition, attorney review should be considered even more.

The owner should propose (or insist on) reasonable modifications and additions to a written agreement submitted by the contractor. If the contractor attempts to resist such reasonable modifications, the owner should look for another contractor.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WITH OR AFTER QUOTATION

If a quotation appears reasonable, owners should obtain the following additional information. If this information is obtained verbally, owners should of course take notes;

1- Qualifications and

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