TIPS ON HIRING PROFESSIONALS

Its OK to tackle some DIY projects but there are limitations to every job or task-and knowing when to call the

professionals

is one of those times or put another way knowing when to "throw in the towel"

The important thing is to develop a good builder/client relationship-this makes for a smooth transition of the jobs

to be done

and minimises the risk of a "fall out".

Budgets,plans,drawings and schedules must be set out in a clear and concise manner, with contracts drawn up at the

onset.

CHOOSING A BUILDER:

There is a saying that good builders are usually very busy.

Selecting one by personal recommendation is usually the best option because you will have seen their work first

hand and also

get an insight into how they worked and how smoothly the project went or not.

If you have to go it alone in search of a builder then ask for 2 references at least-a good builder with a good

track record will

have no trouble giving you references, a builder with a shady track record will not want you contacting the

devasted

clients left behind.

Check the builders liability insurance in case something major goes wrong in the house and the repair bill is quite

hefty-who would

foot that kind of bill?

CHOOSING AN ARCHITECT:

An architects job is to advise you on the proposed budget, the projects strengths and weaknesses.

The architect will also be responsible for drawing up the plans,liasing with the builders, getting estimates from

the

builders and to submit the planning applications for planning permission

The architect will also be responsible for the budget for the project.

Request to see some of their previous work and if possible go and see it for yourself

Use a professional body like RIBA(royal institute of British architects) for advice and recommendations.

CHOOSING AN ELECTRICIAN

Choosing the right electrician, or anyone in the trades to do work on your house, or apartment, or any other place in which you have slaved for many years to create a safe haven, can be frightening.

There are a lot of people who live with frustrating, sometimes dangerous problems because they are afraid of choosing a bad contractor.

It’s always been a challenge since the dawn of trade, to find someone who will deliver specifically what is asked of them in exchange for what they ask for.

There are quite a few people out there who will try to do as little as possible, cutting corners by using cheap material, overcharge for work or materials not furnished, not showing up to work when scheduled, etc.

You will be happy to know that there are just as many if not more people who are honest, hard working, punctual, and take pride in doing quality work.

Here are some steps you can take in choosing the right electrician/contractor:

#1. Always make sure the person you hire is licensed!!!

a. This doesn’t mean they can use their plumbing license to do electrical work, or their carpentry license to do plumbing. The license must be specific to the trade.

b. All licenses expire, make sure you check your contractors license to see if it current or expired. You can check any California license number at the California State License Board.

#2. Ask for references!!!

a. Most people who have a pleasant interaction with a contractor will happily testify to their experience. If the person you are hiring doesn’t eagerly provide a list of references, that is probably not a good sign. It’s also nice to have someone furnish photographs of work they’ve done, in this age of easy tech there is really no reason why some should not be available.

b. A great way to find a good contractor, is to ask your friends and neighbors whom you think have a comparable standard for quality.

#3. Vibe, vibe, vibe!!!

a. If you have checked their license, references, and reputation, and you still just don’t feel “right” about it, DON’T DO IT! Vibes are a built in warning device that too many of us choose to ignore or not fine tune.

#4. List of warning signs

a. Slurred speech, or alcohol on the breath.

b. Using swear words when communicating with you.

c. Poor hygiene, ie: greasy hair, filthy clothes. Usually someones professional appearance is a reflection of their standard of quality.

d. Punctuality, if you have a meeting scheduled to have an estimate done, and the person is over 15 minutes late, that is a big warning sign! Think of how many relationships you have looked back on with regret, only then to remember the “little warning signs”.

CHOOSING A PLUMBER

If you've never had to do it, you've probably never thought about it. But choosing the right plumber can actually prove to be a pretty big decision to make, especially if the job you need done is a big one. It's easy to overlook, but the plumbing systems in your home are important to your family's comfort, safety, and health. When you do have to pick a plumber, you'll really want to think about hiring a qualified, full-time professional and not just a "handyman" that does this type of work on the side. Again, this applies especially to bigger jobs, but even the smallest job can quickly turn into a big (and expensive) one if not handled correctly. Paying a little extra for quality may save you a bundle in the long run. Here are a handful of helpful hints to consider when looking for a plumber:

•Talk To A Person

It may seem obvious, but did you get a live person when you called the plumber? Or did you talk to an answering machine? Did one of his kids answer? Did the phone get answered at all? Your time is valuable and your plumbing concern is real so call a plumber where a professional answers the phone live, 24/7, 365. How can you know that help is on the way if you haven't actually talked to anyone who can help?

•Upfront Pricing

Don't get caught in the pricing game. You deserve to know what the repair or service will cost BEFORE the work begins. For the most part, an experienced plumber has seen your problem before and knows what it will take to fix it. The "time and material" plumber has no incentive to get the job done quickly, efficiently or on budget. He actually makes more money by working slowly and having to go fetch parts. So look for a plumber that uses a flat rate up front pricing system and protect your wallet. And don't let the plumber "send you the bill"- your nice house can easily become a "they can afford it" higher price back at the shop.

•Check For A License

There are plenty of people out there, in every profession, who are ready to pretend that they are what they aren't. What the 'faux' licensed plumbers don't know could really cost you. Just ask for your plumber's license number. This can be hard to do; no one wants to look like they're accusing complete strangers of being charlatans, especially if they're going to be working on your house. But, besides giving you peace of mind in the knowledge that you truly do have a licensed plumber, you'll be showing your prowess at finding the right person for the job, and be giving off signals that you aren't to be trifled with (aka ripped off).

•Get An Appointment Window

You may be surprised at how busy these guys are, especially if you've found someone reliable and in demand. Make sure you get an appointment window so you are not waiting all day for the plumber to show up. The plumber should offer to call you before dispatching a truck to your door, and the plumber should arrive in less than 45 minutes after that call.

•Appearances Count

So what does the plumber who showed up at your door look like? Is he clean, shaved and in uniform with a company logo and a name badge on his shirt? Does he/she smell good, wear protective shoe covers, and look you in the eye to say hello and introduce themselves? Is his truck clean and neatly lettered with the company name and phone number? Does his truck run quietly and is it free of leaks that will make a mess of your driveway? If the plumber doesn't care about himself or his truck, what kind of care will he take with your house?

•Service Agreements

These days many plumbers offer service agreements, which provide periodic check-ups of your plumbing system and discounts on repairs and services. These check-ups can prevent big problems and really be lifesavers. And those discounts can add up in a hurry when problems do occur.