Tips & Traps for Hiring a Contractor (Tips and Traps) - Softcover

R. Dodge Woodson

9780071445849: Tips & Traps for Hiring a Contractor (Tips and Traps)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0071445846 ISBN 13: 9780071445849

Publisher: McGraw Hill, 2005

There are plenty of do-it-yourself books on the market, but sound information about hiring and working with home improvement specialists is hard to come by. Written for homeowners who are hiring pros for large-scale home improvement, remodeling, and maintenance jobs, these titles feature visually appealing, easy-to-read layouts, and are packed with sidebars and callouts of special advice on how to hire a contractor.

Written by an author who is a licensed Master Plumber as well as a licensed Class A Builder with almost three decades in the construction field, each title features:

A focus on how to screen and hire home improvement pros Time and cost saving tips and techniques including cost estimating charts for materials and labor Advantages/disadvantages of various materials Site, design, planning, and maintenance considerations Explanations of different options, and the benefits and the drawbacks of each

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

From the Publisher:

R. Dodge Woodson is a licensed Class A Builder and Master Plumber with almost three decades' experience in the construction field. He also holds the real estate license Designated Broker, the highest classification of professional real estate licensure available. Mr. Woodson is the president and owner of Expert Realty Services, Inc., and also of The Masters Group, Inc. He bought his first piece of land in 1974 and has been a progressive land developer in Virginia and Maine for the last 29 years. He lives in Brunswick, Maine.

From the Back Cover:

DON'T GET RIPPED OFF WHEN HIRING A CONTRACTOR!DO GET THE RESULTS YOU WANT, AT A FAIR PRICE!

You can avoid being a victim of unscrupulous contractors with this homeowner-empowering guide from one of the most respected figures in construction. R. Dodge Woodson, a 30-year contracting veteran and the author of many books in the field, makes it simple to learn how to sort the competent professionals from the con artists who want your business; how to get the best possible deal on the work you want done; and how to work successfully with contractors through every stage, from planning to final payment

In addition, by using the insider's information in this book, you can make expert decisions on quality, materials, and costs. Packed with features designed to make it easy for homeowners to use, this guide helps you--

Screen and hire honest, skilled home improvement professionals
Spot and eliminate "bad apples" BEFORE you sign anything
Make the bidding process work for you
Negotiate effectively
Get all the necessary details in writing
Estimate costs, with easy-to-use charts on labor and materials
Understand plans and specifications
Choose materials to be used in your addition, remodeling job, or maintenance project
Understand the tradeoffs in site, design, planning, and maintenance options
Make sound on-the-spot decisions
Keep your contractor on the straight and narrow -- on time and on budget
Create a punch list

FILLED WITH DOLLAR SAVING TOOLS FOR THE HOMEOWNER
Sample checklists, forms, and contracts make it easier to handle every aspect of your home improvement projects. Highlighted tips and traps help you avoid money pits. Even if you have no prior experience with construction, remodeling, or professional home maintenance, this book can help you get your jobs done right -- at the right cost!

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