How to be Your Own Contractor: The Complete Guide to Hiring and Overseeing

If you're planning any kind of home improvement, from having a room painted to adding a three-room wing to your house, you need How to Be Your Own Contractor, the complete guide to hiring and overseeing the work of more than fifty different contracting specialists. It covers:

• finding the right contractor for the job
• comparing estimates
• negotiating a contract
• checking a contractor's licenses and insurance
• obtaining building permits
• working on-site with the contractors

The Hamiltons discuss:

• design professionals
• mechanical systems contractors, like plumbers and electricians
• interior specialist contractors, such as carpenters, paperhangers, and tile layers
• exterior specialists, such as roofers, deck builders, and excavators
• yard contractors, like swimming pool builders
• maintenance contractors, such as exterminators

Gene and Katie Hamilton are the husband-and-wife author team of the popular and witty syndicated newspaper column "Do It Yourself . . .or Not?" Home Improvement For Dummies®, and over a dozen bestselling books on home improvement. The Hamiltons have been featured in numerous publications and television shows, including: HGTV, CNN, Today, and Dateline. In their 20 years as home-repair experts, they've successfully remodeled 14 homes (and they're still married!).; Gene and Katie Hamilton are the husband-and-wife author team of the popular and witty syndicated newspaper column "Do It Yourself...or Not?" and of over a dozen best-selling books on home improvement. They are also the creators of HouseNet, a comprehensive online resource for homeowners, building professionals, and do-it-yourselfers. They have been featured in numerous publications and television shows, including Newsweek, Family Circle, CNN Today, and Dateline. In their 15 years as home repair experts, the Hamiltons have successfully renovated 14 homes.