Wednesday, September 14, 2011

What should I know when having someone work on my home or car when I cannot do it myself?

I'm not particularly skilled at any one trade but I know how to use basic tools like wrenches, hammers, saws, screwdrivers, and measuring tape for minor vehicle maintenanc ( only wrenches and screw drivers for vehicle repairs) or home improvements. I can change the oil, oil filter, brake pads, air filter, spark plugs and spark plug wires on my truck (relatively minor things) but the more advanced stuff (computer controlled wiring, fixing head gaskets, cylynders, transmissions, etc) I am not skilled at, plus I don't have my own garage. Around the house, I can tighten fixtures such as toilet paper holders, towel holders, faucets, etc and fix broken furniture when the damage is minor. What should I do so that I don't get taken advantage of by some unscrupulous mechanic, carpenter, plumber, sheetrock contractor or electrician (I have been the victim of one once), when it comes to more advanced repairs and building work that I'm not as skilled at? What laws should I be aware of?What should I know when having someone work on my home or car when I cannot do it myself?
I always do research before I hire anyone to do work for me whether it be for my businesses, rentals, automotive repairs or around the house. I check out automotive repair shops to see whether they are AAA approved or if there are any complaints against them registered with the Better Business Bureau. Besides checking the BBB, I check out contractors to see whether their license numbers are legitimately registered with our state licensing board. (You'd be surprised at how many %26quot;contractors%26quot; use bogus license numbers. Our state maintains a website that makes it easy to check them out.) I also make certain that contractors are bonded, have insurance and worker's compensation. I try to make sure that they don't hire illegal aliens, but that is getting to be more difficult. I always ask for references and examples of their work. When I recently hired a painting contractor, I physically drove to the addresses they gave me, spoke to their clients and inspected their work. Also, I always ask for an estimate, get at least three bids and a written contract. It really is the contract that protects you legally.What should I know when having someone work on my home or car when I cannot do it myself?
The best way to pick a carpenter or mechanic, is to talk to friends or people in the community. I personally think that's best. Because if a capenter or mechanic has screwed someone over on work, they will not be recommended...What should I know when having someone work on my home or car when I cannot do it myself?
always get a second or third opinion or more and always ask questions and learn what is happening. always get it in writting and check to see it is done right. there is no fool proof way of getting things done but by asking lots of questions you stand a better chance of learning and not getting ripped off. remember your common sense. if it don't sound right get it check by someone else and someone else till it does. and learn to live with your mistakes and learn to learn from themWhat should I know when having someone work on my home or car when I cannot do it myself?
Big basic rule -- forget ANYONE who wants any money up front - you may never see them again. Also -checheck their insurance first as your homeowners may not cover an accident if they are hurt while working in your homeWhat should I know when having someone work on my home or car when I cannot do it myself?
Ok let's start with a Hyphothetical Sceniero: Umm, ok, you want to replace the carpeting in the living room and you need to use a %26quot;professional%26quot; to install it. 1). learn whats involved in %26quot;replacing carpeting.%26quot; (as if you were goinig to do it yourself). 2). what tools does ir require, ie:your materials list. 3). figure (area size) how much carpet you'd need. 4). find out who is charging what (call around, yellow pages?). 5). check for little things like discounts, warranty's, gaurentees, etc.

Main point is.......THE MORE YOU KNOW about whats going on, even though it's not YOU doing it, doesnt matter. You not being taken advantage of does! Knowledge is power and the only Stupid Questions...Are the ones %26quot;UN-ASKED%26quot;.What should I know when having someone work on my home or car when I cannot do it myself?
Follow the link I will provide below and you'll find an article that I wrote regarding hiring electricians.

It's called %26quot; Some Do's %26amp; Don'ts When Hiring an Electrician / Electrical Contractor %26quot;.

The information in the article applies equally to the other trades too.



Enjoy %26amp; I hope it helps.

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