Hiring a Contractor
Take care in hiring a contractor. Some tips:
1. Check with friends, neighbors, trade associations, and home improvement stores for referrals. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising.
2. Get three bids, then bargain. Question extremely low bids.
3. Is it a fixed price bid (job-site changes are re-negotiated) or a cost-plus bid (contractor does the job, then submits receipts along with new costs)?
4. Don’t hire someone who “just completed work in your area” and offers you a bargain.
5. Avoid contractors with no street address. Check phone numbers.
6. Resist high-pressure tactics.
7. Get a written estimates and references.
8. Get your own loan; never pay in full up front; arrange for payments upon completion of defined amounts of work. Some laws limit the money a contractor can request up front.
9. Ensure proper permits are obtained and paid for and codes are followed.
10. Make sure you are satisfied before signing the contract and making final payment. (Be aware that some states allow subcontractors and suppliers to file a lien against your home if you hold payment unnecessarily.)
About the Author
North County Home Pros
EXCELLENCE Which Moves You
We Specialize in North County San Diego Real Estate
From the Beaches to the Rolling Hills -
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Meet Your Partners to help you accomplish and exceed your Real Estate Goals and Dreams :
Brad & Karen Mattonen of North County Home Pros
Brad Mattonen
After 20 plus years of experience in the Fire, Life Safety and Security industry, Brad retired from the field that he has so enjoyed, working with and for so many industry greats, receiving many local and National top honors.
Putting together excellent products and services along the way Brad will use this wealth of knowledge as he transition into the next chapter in life as a real estate owner/agent, still striving to meet expectations with products and services that fit customer’s needs.
"Out in front and always behind you every step of the way"
To many of you who are lifelong colleagues and business associates, it would be an honor to continue our relationships as it relates to buying, selling and investing in real estate. Since joining the number one real estate franchise in the world I look forward to extending my resourceful experience in helping you navigate the real estate process to achieve your goals and dreams.
"Out in front and always behind you every step of the way"
Karen Mattonen
Karen specializes in helping navigate both buyers and sellers through the buying and selling process! She believes in using dedication to her clients to help educate both buyers and sellers through the home buying process, allowing them to make more informed and confident decisions.
Karen has a passion to exceed expectations, by utilizing her strong negotiation skills, her capacity for empathy, and her strong integrity, energy and dedication to help achieve the most positive outcome for her clients.
After several very successful personal real estate transactions over the years, Karen transitioned from Headhunting/HR, which also included recruiting and Training of Individual Team Realtors, to building her own Professional Real Estate Career.
Prior to real estate, Karen had developed a positive reputation as a successful recruiter and Trainer who owned and operated several successful Recruiting/HR and Training business ventures
Karen takes a different approach to real estate, one that is built on personal touches, win-win deals and positive results.
Karen Mattonen utilizes the latest technologies, market research and business strategies to exceed your expectations. More importantly, she listens and that means she finds solutions that are tailored to you!