10 Ways to Choose Your Contractor

Nicola Tarzia of The Tarzia Group offers 10 ways to choose a contractor (call him for the best way—203 322-1900).

Choose one who communicates—calls you back, follows-through, listens, and one you have “chemistry” with, a rapport, if you will.

Choose one who offers a detailed and understandable breakdown of all pricing, budgeting and the scope of the work.

Choose one who offers references or referrals – and encourages you to call them. Past clients can offer sound advice. The Department of Consumer Protection, your local Building Department, and local inspectors call all be helpful. The Better Business Bureau tracks all sorts of things about contractors.

Choose one with the experience and capabilities you require—one who has successfully completed similar jobs of the quality you require.

Choose one who is licensed in the particular field you require, and one with the insurance coverage required, including workmen’s compensation and liability insurance.

Choose one with the professional and organization skills needed, including personality and demeanor, you can relate to. Look for community involvement and longstanding business in the community.

Choose one where you may visit and see job sites (look for cleanliness and organization), then see their web sites. Request sample products, if appropriate.

Choose one who is responsive to your needs and ideas, and has good working relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, town hall, building inspectors and zoning departments.

Choose with who will gladly discuss project time lines and their accountability, including performance incentives.

Choose a contractor with longevity in the field, with a credibility, and one who understands your needs.

Rent or Buy: History Will Judge

The Wall Street Journal recently ran a story with an ominous headline: "The New American Dream: Renting."

Your blogger says ominous for reasons obvious to him: This is by any measure THE TIME to BUY a home in Fairfield County. Why?

* Interest Rates remain low--5.5%
* There are lots of homes to choose from
* Sellers are still wheeling and dealing

The article notes that the government, behind and in front of the scenes, has been manipulating home ownership in this country for the past 75 years, falling in the first three of four decades. After this, home ownership has skyrocketed.

The formation of government agencies that insured inexpensive mortgages started Americans down the trail. Then, ending red-lining in vast neighbors continued the process.

Today, the question remains: Rent or Buy. Your blogger says: Renting is for losers, buying remains the American dream. Just expect to buy somethings a lot smaller than you want; trade up in a few years; get your dream started--annual property tax deduction, annual mortgage interest deduction, and NO increases in your monthly payments if you have a fixed-rate mortgage (unlike renting).

Due call to discuss/argue: 646 734-8525!