Before you hire a contractor: A construction guidebook for consumers - Softcover

Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

Steve Gonzalez, C.R.C. (Certified Residential Contractor) "The Nation's #1 Construction-Related Consumer Advocate" Birthplace: Jersey City, NJ Residence: Florida Primary Occupation: Custom Home Builder Secondary Career: Author/Speaker/Consultant

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In the halcyon, largely imaginary days of yore, hardy Americans would have a few neighbors over to slap together the house or addition thereto, but now home building and remodeling are major professional undertakings. Indeed, one of the few constants left in American life is rising construction costs. The escalation of materials and labor prices shows no sign of abating, and as building codes grow in complexity and extend to previously unregulated areas, the cost of merely doing business rises, too. Into this world of hurt and need comes Gonzalez's primer on hiring contractors. Gonzalez advises on what to look out for during every construction stage, from planning to financing to complaints after completion. He offers five essentials to observe in the selection of a contractor, explains contracts and lien laws in lay terms, and covers warranties, bonding, service contracts--in short, all the ancillary stuff consumers often don't think about until it's too late. Well organized, easy to understand, this adviser is a highly usable resource. Mike Tribby

Gonzalez, a certified residential contractor, tells consumers how to avoid the pitfalls of home improvement and construction. He argues that consumers must educate themselves and specify exactly what they want, make their own choices, and have realistic expectations. Gonzalez discusses the essentials of selecting a contractor, negotiating contracts, and avoiding scams and provides rudimentary information about liens, insurance, bonding, and consumer rights. He also devotes one chapter to the art of writing specifications. The numbers and addresses of consumer protection agencies are listed state by state, as are construction regulatory offices. Good, basic information on this complex subject plus checklists and sample forms make this a useful tool for the beginner. Recommended for public libraries.
Judith M. Nixon, Purdue Univ. Lib., West Lafayette, Ind.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Getting involved. That's what it takes to get your project done the way you want it done, with lasting quality. I wrote this book to teach consumers how to get involved. The information provided will help you take charge of your construction project.

Having spent the past twenty years working in the construction industry, I have heard countless homeowners and contractors complain about each other. Part of the problem is that too many people put the same amount of trust in a contractor as they do their family doctor. They allow contractors to make choices for them and often have unrealistic expectations of how the project will turn out.

There is an alternative. Do research and write specifications. Get educated and apply your knowledge. From your research you will be able to write specifications of exactly what you want. You will no longer need to let a contractor make choices for you. Doing research also helps you understand the project's stages and lets you communicate better with a contractor.

Getting involved, doing research and writing specifications can all help you to achieve "the perfect project." This book will show you how. Steve Gonzalez, C.R.C.