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Mississippi Real Estate
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Hernando, Olive Branch, Southaven, Nesbit & Walls in Desoto County
Mississippi
Also Tate, Tunica and Marshall Counties |
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Hiring a Contractor
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Q: |
What are some
guidelines to follow when trying to find a contractor?
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A: |
While hiring
contractors recommended by friends is usually a safe
route, never hire a construction professional without
first checking him or her out first. If your state has a
licensing board for contractors, call to find out if
there are any outstanding complaints against that
license holder. Also, call your local Better Business
Bureau to see if there are any complaints on file.
If you are satisfied with the answers you find there,
interview the contractor candidates. Ask what kind of
worker's compensation insurance they carry and get
policy and insurance company phone numbers so you can
verify the information. If they are not covered, you
could be liable for any work-related injury incurred
during the project. Also be sure that the contractor has
an umbrella general liability policy.
If they pass the insurance hurdle, next check some of
their references. A good contractor will be happy to
provide as many as you want.
Finally, don't let yourself be rushed into making a
decision no matter how competitive the market may seem.
Also, never pay a deposit to a contractor at the first
meeting. You may end up losing your money.
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Q: |
Where do I get
information on remodeling? |
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A: |
Try these
sources:
* National Association of the Remodeling Industry,
4301 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 310,Arlington, VA 22203;
(703) 575-1100.
* "Rehab a Home With HUD?s 203(K)," published by the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 7th
and D St., S.W., Washington, DC 20410.
* "Cost vs. Value Report," by Remodeling magazine, 1
Thomas Circle, N.W., Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005.
$8.95 per copy; call (202) 736-3447 for credit card
orders.
* "The Do-able Renewable Home," by the Coordination and
Development Department, American Association of Retired
Persons, 601 E St., N.W., Washington, DC 20049.
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Q: |
How do I find
a home inspector? |
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A: |
In order to
find a home inspector, Dian Hymer, author of "Buying and
Selling a Home A Complete Guide," Chronicle Books, San
Francisco; 1994, advises looking for someone with
demonstrable qualifications. "Ideally, the general
inspector you select should be either an engineer, an
architect, or a contractor. When possible, hire an
inspector who belongs to one of the home inspection
trade organizations."
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has
developed formal inspection guidelines and a
professional code of ethics for its members. Membership
to ASHI is not automatic; proven field experience and
technical knowledge of structures and their various
systems and appliances are a prerequisite.
One can usually find an inspector by looking in the
phone book or by inquiring at a real estate office or
sometimes at an area Realtor association.
Rates for the service vary greatly. Many inspectors
charge about $400, but costs go up with the scope of the
inspection. |
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SITE MAP
Cara O'Bryant
Realtor Associate
Licensed
in Mississippi & Tennessee
901-212-0047
 Bob Leigh & Associates Realtors, LLC
6900 Cobblestone Blvd
Southaven, MS 38672
662-890-9696
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