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Get
Written Estimates
A written, up-front estimate should clearly explain what your repair
professional proposes to deliver, as well as the complete cost of
everything listed.
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Be sure the estimate
separates the costs of labor, parts, supplies, permits, licenses,
discounts and guarantees. This will identify the specific
services to be rendered, and will provide information you’ll
need to compare estimates. |
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Don't base your decision
on labor rates alone. Some companies will entice customers
with a low labor rate and then charge a higher markup on
parts, plus add on other fees. |
Verify
the Estimates
For smaller repairs and service, look for consistent, established labor and parts
pricing.
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Labor rates vary by
city and type of work being done. For this reason, you may
want to request estimates from several companies in your area. |
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For big projects, your local municipality
building planner/inspector may be a good resource to ask if
a price you’ve been quoted is within reason—or
way off. |
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Talk to neighbors about their
experiences; they can often give you useful advice. However,
be sure to take into account any differences between your repair
needs and theirs. |
Guarantee Your Satisfaction
The company you hire must agree to stand behind their work.
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For big projects, ask the company to commit
to the number of days it will take to complete the work. |
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Ask if there’s a process in place for compensation
or refund, in the event that you are not satisfied at the end of the project. |
Quality and Peace of Mind
When hiring a repair professional, lowest price should not be your only consideration.
Stability and longevity of the business, flexible scheduling options, courteousness,
cleanup, and payment options should all be factors of your final decision.
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Punctual
4-hour arrival window; we’ll call
you when
we’re on our way
Professional
Neat in appearance, courteous in manner
Fair
We have consistent and established labor
and
parts pricing
Clear
You’ll get an estimate and a description
of
the work before we begin
Knowledgeable
We have the parts, tools and training
to do the job right
Conscientious
We’ll leave your home as clean as
when we arrived
Dependable
Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back
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Work
with a company you trust
Home repair and maintenance projects typically involve letting strangers into
your home, and in some cases, the person who sells you the job isn’t among
those who do the actual work. Here are questions to ask about your work crew
before they arrive:
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Are the technicians
employed by the company, or are they contracted? Are they insured?
Licensed in your state or community? Have they undergone background
checks? |
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Ask how long the company has been
in business. You may want to contact your local Better Business
Bureau to double-check. Use the Internet to research companies
on your own. |
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