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Planning is essential to home projects and upgrades Part 2!

A change in seasons can inspire any homeowner to embark on a home renovation project, or perhaps you’re being motivated because you plan on selling your home. Whatever your reason, proper planning will make the job much easier.

Once you have chosen a contractor

· Obtain a written contract that includes price, payment terms, sales tax, permit fees (if applicable), the specific work to be performed, materials to be used, warranties and start and end date. It is also a good idea to include change-order processes, final review and sign on procedures and cleanup. Ask for a disclosure statement prior to work starting. Sample disclosure statements are available on the L&I website and at the local L&I offices.

· Make frequent inspections and consult your local building department about required permits. Make sure that all permits are in place and that the inspections are in order.

· When advancing money for materials, it may be possible to make checks payable to both the contractor and the supply house or to pay the supply house directly. Put all change orders in writing and ask questions as work progresses. Avoid verbal contracts, and be very cautious about paying for work that has not been completed.

· Request signed lien releases form all major subcontractors and suppliers on your job before making final payments.

Planning is essential to home projects and upgrades Part 1!

A change in seasons can inspire any homeowner to embark on a home renovation project, or perhaps you’re being motivated because you plan on selling your home. Whatever your reason, proper planning will make the job much easier.

Before you choose a contractor

· Plan your project carefully. If you know what you want done and can clearly explain it, you’re less likely to misunderstand instructions or encounter cost overruns.

· Interview several qualified registered contractors and solicit written bids.

· Verify that the contractors you are considering are registered by looking them up online at www.Contractors.Lni.wa.gov, by phone at 1-800-647-0982 or by contacting a local L&I office.

· Ask for references and then check them out. If possible, view the work, interview the homeowner and visit a site with work in progress.

· Ask for references of suppliers that the contractor works with and check out his or her payment record.

· Request a copy of the contractor’s insurance policy to verify what is covered.

· Evaluate all the aspects of the bids, including the scope of the work, warranties, references, time frames and price.

· Request the contractor post a performance bond for the entire project if it is more than $6,000.00.