Important information that can save you thousands when you remodel your home
and avoid getting ripped off.
Dear Friend,
Many homeowners have an interest in replacing their windows and doors, residing or
reroofing their house, but are scared and confused about where to go, what to look for,
who to trust and what to buy. Many of them are being overcharged by high-priced window
and siding retailers or ripped off by unscrupulous, dishonest contractors. The problem
has become so large we felt it important enough to prepare this report.
They are not required to have an office, they can work out of their basement, back
yard or just out of their pickup truck. It's easy to get into the business and get out of
the business. There are no federal, state or local regulations, no tests to take, no
codes or standards placed on the siding or window industry to prevent these
"Fly-by-nighters" from operating their business. AND NOBODY CHECKS UP TO
MAKE SURE THAT THE JOB IS DONE PROPERLY!
They want to deal with a company that is always there if they need it.
In order to have all that the business must be managed professionally. No single
individual can handle by himself every phase of running a business and doing all
the jobs efficiently. Many businesses fail everyday for this very reason. Aside form
working on the job, a one-man company must estimate its jobs, call back
customers, order its materials, pay bills and keep its books. Also, the owner must
deal with suppliers and manufacturers to keep up with the pricing and new product
development. CAN ANY ONE PERSON DO ALL THIS?
What happens if someone needs service or the owner of the business gets sick or
wants a vacation? Someone will have to be left out. DON'T LET IT BE YOU!
When having your home remodeled, don't call just any company.
Choose your remodeling professional carefully.
Secrets #2 - 5 tell you how to avoid getting ripped off.
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Secret # 2 - Avoid Common Misconceptions
| 1. | If the Better Business Bureau doesn't have any complaints against the contractor,
he must be qualified. This is a common and often costly misconception. In fact,
just because a contractor doesn't have any complaints with the BBB, does not
mean you're working with someone who is a reputable professional. You need to
investigate the company further. Many contractors, though they have no BBB
complaints, do not do a satisfactory job (much less, a superior job). To ensure
you're dealing with a reputable professional, use the BBB as a starting place, not
the only place. Also keep in mind, the BBB is not a government agency and it does not keep a
record on every contractor in town. There are several very reputable contractors
the BBB has no record of at all. To truly gain perspective on a contractor's
credibility, research beyond the BBB.
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| 2. | Going with the lowest price saves you money. NO, not necessarily! Everyone
tends to look for the lowest price. On a low estimate, you must ask yourself what
is being left out or what shortcut is being taken. Let me explain…
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| | Check references and qualifications before you're swept away by a low bid.
"If three people have given you a price, it's hard to overcome the desire to
go with the lowest bid," says Linda Case, president of Remodeling
Consulating Services in Silver Spring, Maryland. "If you determine their
quality first, you have the freedom to take the lowest price from the most
highly qualified contarctors."
"Customers should always be wary of the very low bid," Gluck says. "It might
indicate the contractor is desperate for work and has underbid to get it."
This means his business - and your relationship - could be headed for the
rocks. An extremely low bid could also indicate a miscalculation by the
contractor.
NAHB says that the cost of the standard remodeling job can be broken down
into three groups: 39 percent materials, 37 percent labor and 24 percent
overhead and profit. "If the homeowner wants to cut costs, it has to come out
of one of those areas," Gluck says.
One roofer had his re-roof job $300 cheaper than anyone else. The
homeowner wanted to save money and accepted his proposal. After the job
was completed, all the old shingles and nails were still lying around the yard
and the homeowner was having a fit. The contractor told them that he had
not figured the cleanup in his proposal and that was why he could do the job
so much cheaper than anyone else could.
One of the most common signs of trouble ahead is someone offering to do
work for much less money than others. Like anything else, you can't get
something for nothing. Be careful of choosing your contractor based upon
the lowest price.
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| 3. | Doing it yourself saves money. NO! Sometimes the "weekend warrior" can
undertake small projects like painting, hanging wallpaper, routine repairs, etc.
But beware of undertaking larger, more complicated projects. What starts out as
an attempt to save money can turn into a costly mess. All too often, the job is
botched and it costs more to have a reputable professional come in and fix
what's been done. According to an article in the Remodeling News, less than
20% of these do-it-yourself jobs work out - mostly due to lack of experience on
the part of the homeowner. If you want to be assured your project will turn out the
way you want it, call a reputable professional.
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Secret # 3 - Common Scams and How To Avoid Them
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Avoid high pressure salespeople. You should never feel pressured into making a decision about choosing your contractor. If you ever feel that a contractor or a salesman is pressuring you, ask them to back off. If they persist, its time to look for another contractor. High pressure usually leads to a bad decision when remodeling. A qualified, reputable professional would never pressure anyone into a project.
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| Beware of start up contractors. These people often
represent disgruntled employees who had worked for other
companies as sales people or subcontractors and decided
to do it on their own. Since it is quite easy for anyone to
enter the field, there tend to be a lot of people who don't
have much experience or who don't know how much to
charge. According to Robert Gluck, information specialist
with remodeling Council, between 80 to 90 percent of
remodeling businesses don't last five years. Often times
these companies will do a sloppy job (if they even do the job
at all). They lack professional installers, their credit is not
established, they don't even know how to take proper
measurements. Some start the job and never finish. Others are just looking to get a
sizable down payment and run off with your money. It can be so frustrating trying to
chase after these guys, getting them to come back and finish the job or clean up a
messy work site.
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Some contractors working in your area may put out flyers or come to your door
soliciting additional work in the area. These contractors could be honest, reputable
people. However, you should always do preliminary research before inviting them to
your home. Ask them if you could visit their office or even better their show room, if
they have one. You'll notice that quite a few people simply do not have an office or a
show room, and they will try to talk you into coming into your home instead. If a
contractor does not have any long-term liabilities, he has nothing to loose. Working
out of the basement or his truck gives them an easy chance to shut down at any
time without loosing any money at all.
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Secret # 4 - How To Select The Right Contractor,
Questions To Ask Before Inviting Him Out To Your Home
Your choice of a contractor will ultimately determine the success and enjoyment of
your project. These questions will provide you with essential information in your
decision making.
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Are you licensed?
Make sure your contractor is properly licensed. Anyone can say they are licensed. Make the contractor prove it by either showing you the license or giving you a copy of it. Remember to check the expiration date. Being licensed is the law. If a contractor can not produce a valid license, DON'T HIRE HIM! |
Do you carry general liability insurance?
Make sure your contractor carries general liability insurance. This type of insurance
protects your property in case of damage caused by the contractor and/ or his
employees. The insurance company will pay for the cost of replacing and/or
repairing any damage that occurs. Anyone can say they are insured. Make the
contractor prove it by having their insurance company FAX or mail to you a
certificate of insurance with you named as the certificate holder.
Do you carry workers' compensation insurance?
Make sure your contractor carries workers' compensation
insurance. It protects you from liability if a worker is hurt
while on your property. Be aware that if the contractor
doesn't carry workers' compensation coverage, you may be
liable for any injuries suffered by the contractor or any of his
employees on your property.
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Will you provide me with a written lien waiver?
Your contractor should provide you with a written waiver at the end of the job.
Employees, subcontractors, and suppliers have the right in most jurisdictions to file
mechanics liens against your property if they are not paid by the contractor. Even
though you may have paid your contractor for those materials or work, if he doesn't
meet his financial obligations, the workmen or suppliers can look to you for
payment. After you pay the contractor, make sure and get copies of lien waivers to
protect yourself from having to pay for the job twice.
Do you guarantee your work?
Your contractor should guarantee his work for at least one year from date of
completion. Some contractors guarantee their work for two or even three years.
Will you provide me with written references?
A good contractor will be happy to provide you with references. You should look for
a well-established contractor who can give you several client references from the
last 6 months to 4 or 5 years. When a significant source of a contractor's business
is derived from repeat and referral business, it usually indicates that his clients are
pleased with the work they've received
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Are you licensed?
How long have you been in business, and will you
provide me with the name of you CPA or banker?
Ask for the name of the contractor's accountant or banker.
You want to ensure the contractor is financially sound and
won't be declaring bankruptcy in the middle of your project.
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How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year?
This will help you to determine the contractor's familiarity with your type of project.
How do you handle job debris and service claims?
Nothing can be more frustrating than a contractor that has no respect for your
property. Make sure that the final price includes removal of all job debris from your
property and full clean up. Your home should not look like a HURRICANE just blew
through! A clean work site is fundamental to a smooth remodeling project. Your
contractor should clean up any debris at the end of each day, keep his tools neatly
stowed, and neatly stack any excess materials. Also find out how the service claims
are handled and who is the contact in case you need to report a service. A good
contractor should have a written manual and a well thought out system to quickly
and efficiently satisfy customer's claims.
Do you have a physical address: office or a showroom?
Many contractors work out of their cars, basements or even hotel rooms. You need
to do the homework to find out if that person has an actual place of business.
Ordinarily, you will receive a phone call from a telemarketing company soliciting an
appointment or you may call the number advertised in the ad. Either way, a person
coming to your home is someone you have never seen before whose statements
are based on whether you believe them or not. Many hope that you will never bother
to check their credentials and in reality do not have offices or showrooms they
claim as existing. The representatives giving you a presentation may be working for
a few companies at the same time or could be even a good old con artist. The safe
way to avoid getting ripped off is to visit the place of business and observe how the
show room or the office is run and how you are treated as a customer. Would you
order expensive furniture or your appliances from someone who happened to
knock on your door? Where is the guarantee that the company he or she
represents even exists? Take the time to visit the place of business. It may tell you
a lot about whether you actually want to do business with this company.
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Secret # 5 - The Biggest Mistakes Homeowners Make And How
To Avoid Them
1 ) Listening to the wrong people.
It never ceases to amaze me how many people take advice on their construction
and remodeling project from people who are totally unqualified to give this critical
advice. Quite often, when I see construction messes, (which I see virtually every
day) and I ask where they got the idea to do this or that, I inevitably hear things like:
| | My brother-in-law told me to do that. He used to do work like this on the
side when he was a student. I asked the guy in the office next to mine. He
did the same thing to his home when he lived in Wisconsin. I read an
article by so-and-so that said we should ...
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Everyone's got an opinion on what you should do with your remodeling dollars. "Do
it yourself" or "Hire the sub-contractors and run the project yourself", etc. Just
because someone is your relative, friend, or thinks they know construction, doesn't
mean they know the answers to your remodeling questions or problems.
If you've got an idea or a thought about improving your home, call a reputable,
qualified professional to answer your questions.
2 ) Call at least three of the references you're given.
So many people start out on the right track by asking for references but then never
call them. You can never learn too much about the contractor you are considering
using. Take a few minutes to talk to these people. Most will be pleased to accept
your calls. It will be worth it! Ask if the job was done on time and at the agreed upon
price. Ask if the contractor was easy to reach and easy to deal with.
3 ) Visit the references and see example work.
You can learn a lot by seeing the finished product. If the contractor is good, many
previous clients are extremely proud of their "new" home and will be glad to let you
look.
4 ) See a job in progress.
Is the job site clean? Or are tools and materials strewn about like a hurricane just
blew through? Is everything dusty and dirty, or is it covered or sealed off? Chances
are if a contractor keeps his work sites clean and neat, especially at the end of the
day when it's time to go home, you've got a conscientious contractor.
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Secret # 6 - How To Get The Best Window At the Best Price
| Some contractors may try to "cut corners" to save money.
Like just about everything else, windows can vary greatly in
quality. Do not be content with a hardware store or building-
supply replacement window. Often, these are "builder grade"
quality - a standard lower than what you should settle for.
Here's what you should look for:
We recommend only consider purchasing an insulated
window. This means that there are two panes of glass
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instead of just one. These windows save you the most money on heating and cooling bills and dramatically reduce noise pollution. A good
contractor will install a window with a 3/4" or 7/8" insulated glass break. Anything
more or less, and the window will not insulate your home properly from the bitter
cold or extreme heat. It's not uncommon to see some contractors marketing
windows with 3/8" and 1/2" air space. These windows cannot adequately insulate
your home and are not a good value.
Many "cut corner" contractors sell windows made from inferior frame materials.
Windows can be made from a variety of materials - wood, aluminum, and vinyl.
Aluminum is far and away the worst insulator, plus it needs to be repainted. Wood
can warp and "rack" (swell and become hard to open). The most efficient and
lowest maintenance material is vinyl. But even with vinyl you have to make sure it is
100% virgin vinyl, as opposed to reprocessed or recycled vinyl extruded from a
variety of used vinyl products, like toilet seats, cut up credit cards, Frisbees, etc.
Virgin vinyl offers unsurpassed strength, airtight insulation, and frames that won't
warp, chip, rust, or stain. They conserve heat in the winter and keep your home cool
in the summer. Their airtight construction also makes them one of the quietest
frames you can choose for your home.
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Some contractors try to save money by selling windows with
inferior glass. This inexpensive glass is rolled over steel
bars as it's manufactured. This causes a slight wavy
distortion in the glass and creates small pores, pits, and
other imperfections. To avoid these problems, choose a
window made from floated glass. During manufacturing, the
glass is floated on a bed of liquid tin, creating a much
smoother, cleaner finish. In addition, we recommend having
a special coating applied to the glass (called Low | |
E, Short for Low Emissivity). This clear coating reflects unwanted
summer heat without affecting visibility (no tinting). This can dramatically decrease
your cooling costs. Low-E will also prevent fading of carpeting, fabrics, and drapes.
Many cheaper insulated windows have a metal spacer separating the two panes of
glass. DO NOT buy these windows! These windows are prone to "seal failure" and
allow unwanted cold to "jump from pane to pane" - and into your home. Choose a
window with a special non-metal structural foam spacer. This structutal foam
material has been shown to conduct heat at a rate over 950 times lower than that of
aluminum and 85 times less than stainless steel . The patented structural foam
design dramatically reduces condensation, delivering the clearest picture in true
warm edge technology. This acrylic bonded Super spacer has shown to have up to
5 times the life expectancy of single seal systems on the market today. We also
recommend that the insulated space between the two panes of glass be filled with
a super-efficient gas called argon or krypton. This helps the windows make your
home even more comfortable by further keeping out the heat and cold.
Some contractors will try to save a few pennies by installing standard sized
windows and trying to make them fit into your window openings. These windows,
purchased from a building supply or lumberyard are not a good value.
Here's why:
Over time a home settles. As it does, the window openings are never 100% square
and level. So, in order to get a precise fit, a contractor will have to try and level out,
"build up", or "shim" the window opening. The best way to ensure a precise fit and
airtight installation is to precisely measure the window openings and then custom
make the window to those dimensions. You may think this sounds expensive. In
actuality, it doesn't cost much more to have a custom made window than to have a
standard sized one. Plus, you are assured of a perfect fit.
Finally a good contractor will finish off the job with the "little extras". The exterior trim
around your windows should be finished-off with custom capping, leaving it clean
and neat. Then the trim should be sealed with a special silicone sealant. This neatly
finishes off the edge of the window capping and further prevents drafts. Many
contractors use inexpensive caulking. Over time, caulk can dry out and shrink,
leaving an ugly gap. And of course, your home should be left spic and span.
Unfortunately, many contractors leave a job looking like a tropical monsoon just
blew through!
Like anything else, you can't get something for nothing. Be careful of choosing your
window and your contractor based solely upon the lowest price.
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Secret # 7 - What To Look For In A Good Siding Job
When choosing a siding panel, the thicker and heavier the vinyl siding does not
necessarily mean the better. In general, a heavy, durable siding panel is important.
However, the siding should be made from 100% virgin vinyl. Many times, in an
effort to claim their siding "the thickest", manufacturers will add filters and reground
scraps to their panels. This is an unsound practice - the panel isn't as strong as it
should be and the color isn't as consistent.
Quite a few contractors will use the so called generic backer foil-foam-foil wrap
underneath the vinyl siding. These types of backboards have practically no
insulation value and can bring about the deadly no-no of any siding job - heat
distortion. A good contractor will use ½" or ¾' Styrofoam (preferably tongue-and
grove) for best insulation factor and performance.
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Many contractors won't inspect any existing rotten wood.
They just cover over it. This is not good construction
practice. Siding nails won't "bite" into rotten wood. Loose
nails mean your siding can blow off in a storm. A good
contractor will take the time to mark the walls around the
entire house with a chalk line. This ensures that all courses
of siding line up neatly and evenly to the eye. If a contractor
skips this step, the house looks uneven and lopsided.
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Instead of hand cutting, hand sizing, and hand nailing every piece of vinyl, some
contractors, in a hurry to "get paid" use a nail gun. Though this is quicker, nail guns
can drive nails into the wall too tightly. This may prevent siding's natural expansion
and contraction and cause the siding to warp and buckle so much it looks like a
"roller coaster". Plus, often they'll use cheap nails that rust. A few months later, long
streaks of rust can mark up your otherwise clean walls.
Many contractors use cheap acrylic caulking. Over time, this caulk can dry out and
crack leaving an ugly gap. Make sure your contractor uses only high-grade silicone
paintable caulking.
Light fixtures should be installed with specially fabricated mounting blocks. This
prevents damage to the siding. Some contractors install outside light fixtures by
cutting the siding with a utility knife, allowing air, moisture and bugs to get behind
the siding.
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Secret # 8 - Choose A Contractor That Will Give You Both A
Written Material And A Written Labor Warranty
Your job should be backed with a written warranty! Many contractors may tell you
that their job comes with a "Lifetime Guarantee". But be careful! What they really
mean is, the manufacturer will guarantee the product against manufacturing defects
for life. This is not the same thing as a written labor warranty!
A labor warranty insures that any defect in workmanship is repaired or replaced by
the contractor, at no expense to you! Many contractors and retailers will NOT
provide you with a written labor warranty.
Why?
Your guess is as good as mine. I've always felt that every job should be backed with
a written workmanship guarantee. If they don't feel confident enough to guarantee
their work, they should get out of the business. If a contractor won't guarantee it,
don't buy it.
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Secret # 9 - How To Tell If Your Remodeling Project Will Run
Smoothly - Before You Sign The Contract
Good communication. If you can talk with each other, you can work out any details
that come up. When you leave a message, does he return your call? Does he return
a page promptly? Does he listen to you?
Nothing is more important than feeling like your contractor understands your needs
and concerns. If your contractor is so busy that he can't return calls or pages
promptly, maybe it's time to look for a new contractor. When you're in a discussion,
does the contractor really listen to you? I mean really listen. This is vital.
You should always feel like the both of you are on the same page. This can avoid
miscommunication and costly errors. This is a very important "secret" to a
successful and enjoyable remodeling experience. Choose someone who will listen
to you.
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Comfort. If you feel comfortable with your contractor, the
chances are good your project will run smoothly. Think about
it. You've just invited a stranger into your home. Do you find
this person nice? Considerate? Personable? A listener?
Was he polite and courteous? Or did he make you feel that
he wasn't interested? You will be working with this person
for a matter of days, weeks, or months depending upon the
project you need completed. Can you stand to have this
person around?
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Trustworthy. If you feel your contractor is trustworthy, the likelihood of a successful
project is good. Check his references. Keep in mind that your project will entail
entrance into your home and you won't be home during the day, the keys to your
castle will be given to your contractor. Can you trust him? Listen to your conscience.
Completion. Will your contractor give you a reasonable estimate for how long the
project will take to complete? A good contractor will do this. Remember, you want to
hire a good contractor, not get a new roommate! Nothing is more frustrating and
irritating than a remodel job that drags on and on.
Written Proposal. I can't tell you how many contractors I've seen look at rather
complex jobs, pick a price out of thin air, scribble the figure only on the back of their
business card and give the card to the homeowner. Show contractors that do this
the door! You want a detailed written proposal that shows what is included: exact
materials, brand names where important, costs, and the payment schedule.
Details. Work out the little details before work begins. Talk about things like:
Where will the dumpster go, or the debris pile be created?
What time will construction begin in the morning?
Will work take place on the weekends?
| Appearance. If your contractor has a neat appearance, this
is a very good sign of things to come. This may sound silly,
but it's not. He doesn't have to show up in a coat and tie, but
neatness does count. Is he clean? Is his vehicle presentable,
or falling apart? If his appearance is neat, chances are
good he will keep your job and home neat.
Down payment. A financially sound contractor should place
all the monies received from you in an escrow account in a
local bank. This will insure that your money is
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safe until the job is fully completed to your satisfaction. VERY IMPORTANT! As the work
progresses, you should expect to pay additional funds to match the prescribed,
completed stages.
Change orders. With remodeling, there is always the chance that you may want or
need to change a material or contract item. Ask how these are handled. They
should be written on a separate document showing in detail what is being changed
and how much it will cost. This should be done before the change is affected and
signed by both the contractor and homeowner.
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Secret # 10 - Plan Your Project With A Professional!
This is really the greatest "secret" of all!
Plan your project with a qualified remodeling expert!
If you're considering remodeling with new windows or doors in the near future,
sitting down and talking with a professional remodeling expert that can answer all of
your questions is the best advice I know.
Someone who can help you through the "maze" of confusion. Someone who listens
to your every concern. Someone who subscribes to the principles and "secrets"
discussed above.
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As you might have guessed, the is the only way we
work here at WINDOWLAND.
Now, you may think that you have to pay full retail to get all
the "good stuff" we talked about before.
No. Not even close.
We, here at Windowland discount all of our windows and
doors over 50% off of what the big national chains charge.
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Why do we do this? Couldn't we make more by charging full retail?
Maybe. But our philosophy has always been: deliver a good product at a fair price
and you'll have more than enough clients.
So far, our strategy is working fine.
Here's how it works:
Initially, we provide a FREE, project evaluation. Much more than a price quote or
free estimate, we'll give you a detailed analysis of your proposed project. We'll find
out what your concerns are, and determine if we can be of help to you and your
family. And we'll give you our expert recommendations.
| And remember, absolutely No Pressure!
This is simply a chance for you to meet us, and see if our
services can benefit you. If after our meeting, you believe
there is no benefit to be derived from working with us, we
simply leave and that is that.
If, however, you would like our help, we will discuss how we
proceed from there. I can't think of a better way to work.
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If you think my approach is fair and honest, please call my
office while this is fresh in your mind to set up an
appointment. My phone number is 800-815-0226.
Oh, by the way, I have A FREE Bonus for you …
I've reserved a special FREE INSIDER'S REPORT "12 Most Popular
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My gift to you. But my supply is very limited. To ensure you receive your
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