What to take into consideration
IRON MOUNTAIN -- Spring is in the air and that means that many people's thoughts are turning to home repairs and improvements. But there are some things you should take into consideration before you get started.
The first step before you proceed is to contact your local zoning inspector.
"Make sure they can do what they want to do and find out if they have to have a permit," said contractor Kevin Kuhn.
Larger projects such as additions generally require a permit, and projects of that magnitude also require you to find a licensed contractor to do the work. Fortunately, most contractors give free estimates, so professionals encourage you to shop around.
"You should get everything in writing on a proposal, that way you know both contractors are offering you the same thing at the same price or what the difference is," Kuhn advised.
Before you decide on a contractor, read estimates and proposals carefully and don't be afraid to ask questions--this ensures that you're getting all the work that you're paying for.
"Another thing to take into consideration before you decide on a contractor is whether they have insurance on themselves and their employees. That way you won't end up footing the bill if one of their workers is injured on the job. Contractors in Michigan are required to have liability and workmen's comp insurance, however, you can request a copy of their insurance policy just to be safe.
Smaller jobs can be done on your own, though professionals suggest that you make sure you're only using high quality materials. You should also give yourself plenty of time for projects you're not familiar with, as they often take longer than you might think.
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