Reviewed October 1993
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Owning a home has long been an American dream. For most buyers, the purchase of that home represents their most significant lifetime investment. Most people know the initial cost of a house, but many are not aware of the continuing cost of maintaining and repairing it. As costs of materials and labor increase, more home owners are assuming the role of "handyman."
The chief reason for repairs is to maintain and improve the condition of the building to prevent its deterioration and loss in value.
Examine your house each year. Its parts and materials wear out with use and time.
Houses grow old. Check the condition of materials under the surface. Hidden damage or decay could become a serious problem. Do not haphazardly repair and maintain your house. Make a plan.
After you have examined your house, decide whether you will make repairs yourself or call a professional.
To decide whether you should make the repair or hire an expert, answer these questions:
The cost may not compare to the difficulty of the job, but price will help you set the upper limits beyond which you may not wish to risk your money and time.
Consider time. Don't begin a repair unless you have time to do it right.
Base your planning on your own abilities, not those of your neighbors. Is there someone you can pay for advice if you get "stumped"?
Once you begin a repair and invest time and money, don't expect that a repairman will come in and finish the job for substantially less than what he would have originally charged.
Avoid the cost of repeating the same repair because you used faulty materials or procedures.
Did you decide to hire help?
Before you contact a repairman, figure out the kind and quality of the repair needed. This can improve communication between you and him and reduce misunderstandings. It can fortify you against tactics in which a lower price is offered in the beginning to "sell" you and then you're persuaded into switching to a more costly product.
Contracting for work, having it done and getting satisfactory results can be a trying experience even with a reputable repairman. For your benefit and his, put your agreement in writing. Do not rely upon "reputation of honesty," "word of honor," or "verbal understanding."
To reach a clear and binding agreement, you should know and write down in detail what you expect for the amount of money you are to pay. This means writing a specification. (Or have the repairman prepare it.)
The specification should be brief and to the point. Don't overspend, but plan to use quality materials since labor will often be your main cost.
The specification will vary slightly depending upon the nature of the repair. It should include:
An agreement between the contractor and owner should be executed. The agreement describes:
Try to select a repairman or contractor whose work you know. Examine some of his previous work and ask the owners if they are satisfied. If you need help, consult with an architect, businessman, or the Better Business Bureau in your area. Seek at least three bids before you choose a contractor.
The contract should show the cash price. If you are not paying cash, it should show the cash down payment, the unpaid balance, the amount financed and the total number of payments. This will show you the amount of money you are paying for financing, above the cost of the work.
You may wish to check on the work in progress. However, stay out of the way. Interference can cause delays, affect the quality of the work or cause disagreements and added costs.
Inspect the finished project with the repairman. If there are questions, refer to the contract. Sign off on the contract and make final payment after all the work has been completed correctly.
GH5929, reviewed October 1993