Hiring a Design Team on a Budget

HIRING A CONTRACTOR

FORWARD I've learned first hand what not to do when hiring a contractor. Back in the 1990s, I was in the business of hiring contractors to remodel homes that I decorated, while attending college. I'm unsure how many complaints were registered about contractors at the time. However, today, the statistics are staggering. Caveat Emptor: General contractors are ranked # 16 for the most registered complaints with the Better Business, according to Smart Money Magazine (Taylor, 74) - Kelly Hammett

GET A RECOMMENDATION FROM A FRIEND Keep in Mind - choosing a contractor out of the phone book can be risky business. Start by asking people for recommendations at social functions, family gatherings and work events.

Do a background check on your contractor of choice. Check with your local Better Business Bureau. www.bbbsilicon.org. This is Silicon Valley's website. If you live in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Connecticut or Westchester - check The Franklin Report. www.franklinreport.com. Check to ensure they are reputable. www.contractors-license.org

PUT EVERTHING IN WRITING

Although this isn't a 100% safeguard, it informs the contractor you are not going into the business relationship with blinders. Review the contract. See www.contractorsfromhell.com Have a knowledgeable friend review it with you. Make changes until you are comfortable. Make sure you fully understand the contract before you sign. Don't be intimidated or afraid to ask questions. Place a time frame of completion within the contract. Charge the vendor $$ for every day he/she is over the time frame of completion. This will ensure the contractor completes the project on time. A friend opted for this tactic and the contractor finished on time and on budget. Endless changes will occur while remodeling. Thus, make addenda to the contract and have the contractor sign off on every change made.

GO WITH YOUR GUT

At the end of the day, you need to feel comfortable about doing business with the person. Once, I had a vendor arrive late to our first meeting. Every subsequent meeting thereafter, this vendor was late. Even though the vendor checked out, she was a nightmare. That was a sign! For more comprehensive information, you may consider taking my course, "Decorating in Luxury on a Budget." See seminars offered.