Once you‘ve assembled a few names, your final selections should be based on a thorough check of the contractor‘s previous work. Reputable contractors do not mind if you ask for their business license number or the names of previous customers. Check out the "tooâ€"goodâ€"toâ€"beâ€"true" contractors â€" for example, those who promise a discount if you allow them to use your home "to advertise their work", or who knock on the door and say they just happen to be working in the neighbourhood and can give you a "special price". After you‘ve narrowed your list down to three or four, the next step is to ask the contractors to bid on your project. Get at least two, and preferably three, bids to‘ ensure a fair price. The contractors should come to your home to inspect the work to be done and to discuss your requirements. The contractors who Local building supply and hardware stores, or local building associations may be able to suggest a contractor. If you want your home repaired properly, promptly, and at a reasonable cost, you have to find the right contractor to do the work. How you select a contractor and who you select can make the difference between a rewarding and a harrowing experience. Finding a contractor‘is the first step. If you know people who have had repair work done on their home recently, consult them. Satisfied customers are a contractor‘s best recommendation. Sooner or later, your home is going to need repairs or renovations that you cannot or don‘t want to do yourself. But just because someone else is going to do the work does not mean you can sit back and relax. Do homework when hiring contractor IT‘S TIME TO CASH IN ON HONDA QUALITY Whether you choose bagging or nonâ€" bagging, push or selfâ€"propelled, manual or electric start, Honda mowers are simply a cut above. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR HUGE POWER EQUIPMENT SELECTION NOW!! 17â€"inch cutting width aids maneouverability on smaller lawns: lightweight, cortosion resistant Honda Super Tough Polymer (HSTP) housing. 4 Once you choose a contractor, you sign a contract for the work to be done. Don‘t sign if you are not satisfied that the contract describes exactly what you want and contains everything promised by the contractor. Remember, contracts are legally binding on both parties. If changes need to be made to the contract, get them in writing. Have the contract rewritten if you are not completely happy with it. Your attention to the bidding process will pay off in the long run. Many a homeowner has been left with poor workmanship or an unfinished job because the contractor ran out of money, materials or time. Make sure the person or company you hire can fulfill the terms of the bid. â€" The names and addresses of the homeâ€"owner and the contractor. Make sure the firm you are dealing with is the one named in the contract and that the firm‘s full name, address, telephone number, Compare bids to make sure materials and work specifications match, or that differences are explained. If most of the bids are similar but one is very much lower, treat the lowest bid with caution. A low bid may mean that the contractor has made a mistake or doesn‘t know enough about the work to estimate it properly. In general, a contract should include the following: will not do this should be crossed off your list. Do not sign or pay for anything on this initial visit. The contractor should provide a written estimate giving complete specifications of the work to be done, price and terms of payment, and a realistic starting Business Hours Mon. Tues. Fri. 9â€"6 p.m. Wed. Thurs. 9â€"8 p.m. Sat. 9â€"4 p.m. King avt,);ltg‘xlnc;zersity D 746â€"7900 _â€"__ HONDA LA WNMOWERS FROM s 4 3 9 ces HRS21SVC * Selfâ€"propelled with 3.5 hp c and 21â€"inch cut * M’ulum r ing height * Side discharge * I tromic ignition and automatic decompression _ Contracts take many forms covering %ï¬tuations, but all should contain %hese provisions. The contractor may also include a contingency clause allowing additional charges in case of unexpected problems during the work period. Make sure that your written approval is required before the contractor can go ahead if changes to the original work described in the contract are needed, or extra charges are incurred. â€" Acceptance of responsibility by the contractor for removing all debris as soon as construction is completed. â€" A statement of all warranties, explaining exactly what is covered and for how long. â€" A statement of the contractor‘s public liability and property damage insurance. This is important. If someone is injured in your home while work is in progress, you could be held liable if the contractor does not have proper insurance. â€" Firm starting and completion and the name of its representative are shown. Beware of the firm whose only address is a post office box, telephone number or answering â€" A detailed description, with sketches, if needed, of the work to be done and materials to be used. This includes all subâ€"contracted work, such as plumbing and wiring. This is the area where most misunderstandings arise. Never not binding. â€" Written assurance that all necesssary permits will be obtained by the contractor and that work will adhere to local building codes. â€" Price and terms of payment. AJ to serve you betier Complete Parts and verbal assurances. They are Birchcliffe Trim & Supply Ltd. 120 Northfjeld Dr. E., Waterloo 746â€"7600 aâ€"â€" 4ns MA A Vg 104 382 KING ST. NORTH WATERLOO 885â€"3200 WATERLOO CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY MAY 11, 1988 â€" PAGE B15 STORE HOURS. 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