INFORMATION FOR HOMEOWNERS
Repairing, maintaining or rehabbing an older home can be a challenge.
The Heritage Home Program℠ is here to help.
On this page find all the resources you need as a homeowner, wherever you are in the rehab process.
HOMEOWNER BEST PRACTICES
Questions to ask contractors, strategies to communicate with your contractor, and a checklist for your contracts.
RESOURCES
For print-friendly loan application forms, information packets, escrow procedure, and additions guide, please visit Program Resources
FOLLOW THE LINK FOR CONTRACTOR BEST PRACTICES
HOMEOWNER BEST PRACTICES
HIRING A CONTRACTOR
The Heritage Home Program wants what you want: to repair and maintain your home. To get your project rolling, start by considering the list of contractors we shared with you from our database.
We recommend you get 3 written estimates for your project, although those does not have to be from the contractors we shared with you. We also recommend that you look at reviews of these contractors on websites like Better Business Bureau, Next Door, Yelp, etc.
QUESTIONS TO ASK CONTRACTORS
- How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year?
- How long have you been in business?
- Will my project require a permit? If so, obtain copies of all city permits and post them on-site.
- What kind of insurance do you carry? Ask for copies.
- Are you going to use subcontractors? Do they have insurance? Who oversees their workmanship?
- Could I have 3 references? They should be able to provide you with names and numbers.
Ask the reference:
Was the project completed on time? Were you satisfied with the work? Were there any unexpected costs? Did the workers show up on time? Did they clean up after finishing the job?
CONTRACTS SHOULD INCLUDE:
- Contractor name, address, phone number, email, license number
- Estimated start and completion date
- Payment schedule
- Contractor’s obligations to obtain all necessary permits
- How change orders are handled
- Detailed list of materials including color, size, model, brand, how much is budgeted for each item
- Information on warranties covering materials and workmanship
- Daily clean-up procedure
- A written statement of your right to cancel the contract within three business days
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CONTRACTOR
- Keep records of everything: contract, change orders, correspondence, notes from phone calls, payment receipts, etc.
- Have documentation on hand when communicating an issue
- Set up times to discuss the project during their work hours
- Establish norms for your home: tell them what bathroom they can use, where to get water,cleanliness of the site, etc.
- Talk about your concerns in person as soon as they come up
- Be respectful to your contractor, kindness goes along way
