If you’re planning on renovating your home, it’s essential to ensure that you hire a licensed contractor. In New York, if you don’t hire a contractor, you may be liable for up to $500 per day in penalties.
Home improvement contractors are generally required to be licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs. The license number must be clearly displayed on any promotional material and on the contractor’s vehicle.
When you hire a contractor, you must also make sure that he or she is properly insured. The contractor should be able to provide you with references from previous customers.
In addition, you should make sure that the contract outlines what your contractor will do, when he or she will do it, and how the work will be paid for. This should include a timeline for completion, and who will be responsible for the document filings.
Before settling on a contractor, you should also compare prices. A contractor’s bid should include an initial down payment, as well as incremental payments until the job is completed.
You should also consider a home equity loan for any expensive repairs. However, you should be aware that this type of loan can be more costly than a personal loan.
Before committing to a home improvement plan, you should create a detailed list of what you want to do. This will help you negotiate with the contractor. It will also serve as a good reference for when it’s time to get started.