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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.