| One of the biggest challenges a property manager in | | | | especially in New York. Even if there is no inspection, a |
| New York faces is hiring the right contractor for the | | | | rule of the thumb is if someone is really serious about |
| job. | | | | their work, they will take out the time to get a license. |
| Before looking through the yellow pages, start with | | | | Insurance is an even more important issue. Without |
| asking your family, friends and neighbors. If they have | | | | insurance, you are the one who liable if anything |
| gone through the experience and are furnishing you | | | | unfortunate happens. |
| with a recommendation, you're already way ahead of | | | | Here is the most important part of the hiring a |
| the game. It's worth meeting with any company that | | | | contracting company, the contract. When things are |
| claims to do the work you are looking for. Just make | | | | not spelled out clearly, they have a habbit of winding |
| sure you have references from the company of | | | | up in court. A clear, concise contract can save you |
| similar work that was done. | | | | allot of heartache. |
| A friend of mine who is a property manager in N.Y. | | | | You should have the project written up in detail. What |
| gets ideas of who to hire by speaking to people in the | | | | type of moldings, what grade of paint, etc. What are |
| inspection department. They know who is reliable, and | | | | the start and completion dates. It's prudent to think |
| more importantly, they know the guys who are guilty | | | | ahead when defining contractor responsibilities. You |
| of shoddy work. If you know anyone with a property | | | | also want to know the details, like how they are going |
| management company, ask them. Property managers | | | | to apply the paint to the surface? Are they stripping |
| (like me) are always hiring contractors, and we don't | | | | with chemicals (and then you have to move out for |
| want to have to do the job twice, and we certainly | | | | three days), or using sanding equipment with a hepa |
| don't want to overpay. Don't forget to check with the | | | | vacuum filter? Another issue is getting a lien release. |
| better business bureau (BBB) for complaints about the | | | | You want your contractor to furnsh you with one so |
| contractor. | | | | that hi suppliers can't take you to court if he doesn't |
| You should be interviewing at least two different | | | | pay his bills. And make sure both parties have an |
| contractors. There are a lot a factors that you will | | | | agreement regarding who has to take care of the |
| have to weigh, such as prices, quality of work, etc. | | | | permit costs. New York City permit fees can run high. |
| Getting the company that puts in the lowest bid might | | | | When you finally have agreed on terms, you will have |
| not work to your advantage if you wind up with | | | | to give a down payment. You shouldn't have to pay |
| inferior materials. On the other hand, you really don't | | | | more than half, and depending on the job, one third is |
| need gold edging on your Jacuzzi. | | | | sometimes sufficient. |
| Finally, you want to make sure that the contractors | | | | One more thing, no matter what type of promises you |
| are licensed and insured. If they don't have a license, | | | | get, don't release that final payment until all work is |
| you will have a problem when inspection time comes, | | | | completed. |