CALLING THE CONTRACTOR:

Use our drop down list to find the contractors that meet your needs, then contact at least 3 and describe the scope of work that you need done.

Before you have them come to your home, have them confirm:
• How many years have they been in business?
• Have they done work in your neighborhood?
• What is their contractors' license number? And then click here to verify the license.
• Do they have a list of references?
• Ask them to bring their references, and check them.
• Are they insured, with whom, and are they current with their workers comp. insurance?
   Ask for proof of both.
• Will a permit be needed?

THE BUDGET PROPOSAL:

Depending on the scope of your project, you may want to discuss a budget amount. It's not uncommon for the contractor to ask, "Do you have a budget amount to work with?" It saves him time from having to offer multiple options and it also helps him qualify you. If you have a reasonable idea of how much your project should cost or how much you can allocate towards it, then let him know. Otherwise ask your contractor for a price range based on his previous jobs.

The preliminary "Budget Proposal" should include:
• Scope of work.
• Budget amount.
• Tentative work schedule.
• Deposit and pay schedule.

On acceptance of the "Budget Proposal" your contractor may ask for a small deposit to cover the cost of preparing the final Contract Quote.

THE CONTRACT QUOTE:

Never accept any special incentive offers or come-ons such as "If you sign up today".

Always get a written quote or estimate. It should describe the "scope of work" including drawings or sketches as needed, specify the type or brand of materials used, describe the financial arrangements, including "change orders and unforeseen conditions costs", and have a start date, production schedule, and completion date. An estimate can never be too detailed.

FINANCIAL:

Have all financial arrangements in writing. It's not uncommon for a contractor, depending on the scope of the job, to ask for some of the money up front. This is to secure permits, special order materials and perform demolition or site work, etc., before any construction actually begins. A good idea is to pay the first "actual construction draw" when the materials are delivered to the site. Get full documentation, in writing, for all cost overruns, change orders or extra charges.

Demand "Proof of Payment" to all sub-contractors, vendors and suppliers. Do not pay your final draw until you have these records. Under Florida law you are ultimately responsible for these expenses. Do not be alarmed if you receive a "Right to Lien" for the cost of materials, from any materials vendors. This is common practice here in Florida.

PERMITS:

If you are planning any structural changes or additions, (floors, walls, ceilings, roofs, etc..) or mechanical changes or additions, (electrical, air conditioning, plumbing, etc..) you will need a building permit. Municipalities require building permits and inspections to assure that the work done is in accordance with their local construction codes, and to maintain certain community standards.

Check with your local building department, as requirements may differ city to city.

click here for City of Naples                          click here for Collier County

Before the job is started make sure that all permits are secured and that you get a Certificate of Insurance from the contractors insurance carrier. Also ask your contractor for a copy of all the sub-contractors' license and insurance information.

If permits are required, then city inspectors will be checking the work. Be advised that these inspectors require that the work be done to local code. That doesn't mean that you will get a top quality job. Keep a close eye on the work, or hire a private inspection service to check the job. Finally, make sure that the work is done to your satisfaction before you pay the final draw.