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G ET H ELP FROM THE B EST R EAL E ST A TE S PECIALISTS

2. Try to get a preliminary rendering before you commit dollars.
3. Negotiate all fees in advance and get it in writing.
4. Try to get a fixed fee rather than time charges. If you agree to
time charges get a list of the hourly wage rate of everyone who
will be working on your project.
5. Get an estimate of all costs for which you’re responsible.
6. Meet everyone who will be working on your account and un-
derstand what function each will perform.
7. Negotiate a quick and painless procedure for terminating the
relationship if you’re unhappy with it.
8. Get the right to any work product they created while you
paid for it.

Questions You Should Ask before Hiring Anyone

•What other jobs are you working on at this time?
•When will you start the assignment? When will you finish it?
•When can I get a preliminary rendering to approve?
•What other builders have you worked for recently?
•How long have you been in business?
•How many people do you employ?

Hiring a Contractor
1. Make sure they are licensed, bonded, and employ union labor,
if it’s necessary.
2. Check their references.
3. Check their availability and number of employees available to
do your job.
4. Check with the local business bureau or local municipal office
where complaints may be lodged.
5. Try to inspect their place of business. If it’s sloppy, their work
will probably be sloppy also and probably take more time.
6. If at all possible, negotiate a fixed price contract.

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