Posts Categorized: Uncategorized

Selecting a Contractor: Specific questions for specific projects.

Product Selection – Make sure the proposal includes a specific reference to the product and color you have chosen. Your proposal will be your proof of purchase in later years. Manufacturer Warranty Specifications – If the project is to be warranted by a manufacturer, confirm that the agreement states that the work will conform to Read More

Selecting a Contractor: What is the company’s workmanship warranty?

Typically, contractor workmanship warranties are for one year or more. Longer warranties are not more valuable than shorter warranties. The length of the warranty is less important than the intent and ability of the contractor to stand behind his warranty. The professional contractor often performs well beyond the written warranty period because he knows that Read More

Selecting a Contractor: How long has the contractor been in business?

Needless to say, the more experienced the better. Under five years is often a tell-tale sign of an unstable business. Most contracting businesses (90%) fail within the first five years. Examine new business with extra care before awarding the project. Check references carefully. Current references are only valuable to see if the Owner is happy Read More

Selecting a Contractor: Is the company a licensed, registered contractor, and a member in good standing of a trade association?

The (MHIC) Maryland Home Improvement Commission requires ALL conatractors that work in the state of Maryland to be licensed and insured. Automatically reject any contractor who is not licensed. However, do not be fooled by a contractor with a license.   Be forewarned that some contractors use their license as a way to legitimize themselves. The license requirements Read More

Fick Bros. Named Contractor of the Year!

Fick Bros. was named the 2014 National Contractor of the Year by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) in its Exterior Remodeling category. Contractors from seven regions nationwide vie for the awards on an annual basis. All projects submitted for judging were an improvement or an addition to an existing structure, with the Read More

Selecting a Contractor: Does the company carry insurance and is the coverage adequate?

This is the second most important question. Owners have been financially harmed by uninsured or inadequately insurance contractors. A contractor should ALWAYS provide you with a Certificate of Insurance for Comprehensive Liability, Worker’s Compensation, and Completed Operations Insurance that protects you in the event of an accident or provides financial coverage for a failed project. Read More

Selecting a Contractor: Does the Contractor have a permanent place of business?

What is the Full Name & Address of the Company? All Contractor Selection Guidelines start with this question because most dissatisfaction involves low-bid undercapitalized contractors. Be very cautious of any contractor without a permanent place of business. If the contractor is not permanently established, how can you be confident he will complete the work? How Read More

Hiring a Contractor

Most home owners purchase  home improvement projects infrequently. They are uncertain about how to select a competent professional contractor.                        Adding to the confusion are the scores of unprofessional contractors who believe that the only way to  obtain work is by being the low price. Such contractors are more concerned with obtaining work than with solving Read More