How to Lose Money With a Builder - It's so Easy! What you’re about to read might be life-changing for you. It doesn’t matter if you’re building a new home, adding a room addition, remodeling a kitchen or bath, or even building a deck. I shared the following with my 25,000 free newsletters subscribers a […]
Stop Giving Contractors Money Upfront I’ve set an ambitious goal for this column. It’s my hope it will save collectively at least 100 million dollars. If you and every other reader follow the advice I’m about to share, we can make sure your money will not disappear through the hands of a dishonest contractor like […]
Fraudulent Consumers Are In Every City and Town Fraudulent consumers and homeowners take advantage of businesses each and every day. They target builders and remodelers because the average building or remodeling job can run in the thousands and tens of thousands of dollars. The swindling homeowners can keep tons of money in their accounts and […]
Paying a Contractor in Advance Yesterday I received an email from Marie who lives in Massachusetts. She asked the following question: "I have been getting quotes to clean and stain my decks. In the quotes, they have all been saying that they want money up front (1/3 or 1/2). I don't like this idea. Is […]
Do you live where hurricanes come ashore? How about tornados or flooding? What happens if your house burns down? Do you have insurance to cover yourself in case your home is damaged? Are you SURE you have enough coverage and what exactly is covered? Do you think it's possible to be out of your home […]
An older woman who lives in Greenville, SC emailed me about a problem with a kitchen contractor in Greenville, SC. We went back and forth as I tried to offer some advice. I asked her permission if I could reprint the emails and she said, "You can use my location, might get people to check […]
Payments to contractors causes anxiety for a lot of homeowners. How much to pay, when to pay, who to pay? These are some of the questions to consider when working out a contractor payment plan. Residential construction cost breakdowns will help you determine the answers.
Contractors should be asked for an itemized bid. Obtain an affidavit from each party at time of payment. Do not pay for unfinished work. Compare bills with work performed by the contractor to assure they match. You will avoid many headaches with your construction bids if you follow these simple procedures.
An affidavit and materialman's certificate are important to avoid a mechanic's lien against your property from contractors or subcontractors. A professional contractor will not hesitate to provide these forms.
Affidavits and liens protect homeowner and contractor. Consult a good real estate attorney concerning laws in your state before a problem ensues.
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