Adams Construction Services Inc

Sorry for the long absence since my last entry in July.  As is typical, the summer season finds me very busy.  On the top of many Louisville and Southern Indiana residents during the past week or so has been our infamous wind storm.  Many of you have shared in the frustrations such as lacking electricity, internet, telephone as well as spending some unexpected time with your schoolage children.  I am sure you made the most of things - life goes on.  When my phone started ringing off the hook early in the week following, I knew that this weather event was like no other in my history as a contractor.  I have been on the road on a seemingly endless junket between the disaster areas that some local pieces of real estate have become.  I have been on many of your roofs with tape measure in hand.  I have more pictures of missing shingles, windblown siding, downed trees, twisted gutters, smashed roofs and broken glass than one can imagine.  I know our areas insurance agents have been very busy as well.

Many of you are looking for a reputable contractor to assist you with your repairs.  Unfortunately, the “Storm Chasers” are likely on the prowl to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners during this time.  Below are a few tips to help protect yourself from these predatory practices and get the real help you need as opposed to being ripped off:

• Beware of “contractors” roaming your neighborhood door to door cold calling you.
• Ask for an insurance certificate showing proof of coverage for general liability, workman’s compensation and commercial auto coverage
• Ask for proof of licensure and license numbers.  Contractors are required to be licensed by Metro Louisville as well as some other towns/counties
• Don’t pay in full up front.
• Ask for references from previous clients.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints and to see if the contractor is a member
• A legitimate contractor will present you with a written estimate and contract to sign before beginning any work.

Just be careful.  You know what’s been said before - if it looks like a rat and smells like a rat… it’s probably a rat.   May all your repairs be completed swiftly and professionally.

Until next time,

Thad Adams, President

Adams Construction Services, Inc.

Not all remodeling contractors are alike. Some are highly qualified professionals while some are not. Carefully selecting a remodeling contractor now can save you time, money and trouble throughout your project. Your remodeling contractor will be working in your home for a few days to a few months, depending on the scope of your project. It is important that you consider far more than pricing when selecting the right remodeling contractor. It is critical that you trust and have a level of comfort with him or her.

There are several ways to find a reputable remodeling contractor. Consider talking to friends, relatives and business associates to discover if they have had positive experiences with a particular contractor. They may also be able to steer you clear of some duds. Check with your local home builders association as several remodeling contractors will be part of the membership. Check with the Better Business Bureau and ask for a reliability report. You may also want to search the internet as reputable remodeling contractors are more likely to have a good (or any) website.

Meeting with some potential remodeling contractors will be the next step. Some things to consider are punctuality, appearance and professionalism. Also consider communication style. Does the individual listen well and ask you good questions about your project? On the other hand, does he or she mostly want to talk about him or her self and how they do things? Ask for references to find out about how they have worked with previous clients to ensure successful projects. Also make certain that you only consider contractors that meet all local requirements, are licensed in your town or jurisdiction and have all the proper insurance.

Next comes the decision making process. Your goal should be to select a contractor who will meet your needs, thoroughly understands what you want from your project, can be trusted in your home all while delivering value for your investment. In addition, consider which contractor with whom you feel you will be able to coordinate and communicate well. It is important that you feel at ease discussing ideas and issues about your project with the contractor as change orders, unanticipated items and problems often need constructive discussion for successful solutions.

Finally, after deciding on a contractor, request a meeting to further discuss the scope of the project, financing of the project and a timeline for completion. Typically, a contractor will initiate a meeting for you to sign contract documents/design agreements, discuss allowances for your project, address any final design changes and discuss the logistical issues of working in your family home while creating minimal disruption in your daily life. This is a great time to prepare a list of questions to promote thorough discussion of your project and ensure that everyone has realistic expectations. Careful selection of the right remodeling contractor will increase the probability of having a successful project on time and on budget.

I am offering a new service as a part of our website.  I will now be posting blogs on a regular basis.  I will be covering a variety of topics relating to home remodeling/renovation as well as new construction.  I hope that you will find the information useful and I welcome your feedback.  You may also contact me via email thad@adamsconstructionservicesinc.com with any requests or recommendations.  I look forward to posting information on this blog.  Have a great weekend and keep checking for updated information!

Best regards,

Thad Adams, President