Basement Remodeling and How to Hire Subcontractors

So you may or may not be new to tackling your own home improvement projects! Either way, a lot of us DO NOT want to tackle every phase of every project all by ourselves! So, we must figure out the BEST way to outsource those portions of the project to others. Naturally we will want to hire someone who is an outright professional in those departments to ensure we get the job done correctly and professionally.

I use a few highly trained "subcontractors" to take care of the phases of basement remodeling that I just do not always have the time to tackle myself! I almost always subcontract-out the following phases of each basement that I finish for basement clients:

1.) Hanging and Finishing the Drywall
2.) Plumbing projects (Bathrooms and Wet Bars)
2.) Perimeter Water Proofing Systems

All other phases are easily managed and performed by me! I have carefully screened many, many subcontractors over the years to perform these 3 duties for my basement remodeling company! Choosing the right subcontractor can be tricky if you do not know what your looking for in a subcontractor!

Here's how I weed through the "Jungle" of subcontractors for each of these phases and choose the BEST man for each job. Follow this punch list when choosing your subcontractors and pick a winning sub every time! This works for ANY type of subcontractor not just the 3 I've listed here. Do the following for each subcontractor:

1.) Get 3 references from past clients where the work was performed within the last 90 days.

2.) Call the 3 references and ask them how the job went. Grill the reference asking them these things

a.) How did your job turn-out?

b.) Was the work completed on time?

c.) Did the work come-in on budget with no surprises?

d.) Was the work performed in a "clean and professional" manner?

e.) Did the contractor guarantee his work in a written contract?

f.) Would you mind if I came to your house and took a look at the finished product? If

the answer is YES, go and take a first-hand peek at the work performed!

Do this for each subcontractor and you will have a 99% chance of picking a winner for each job that you do not want to tackle yourself!

3.) Make sure you get an updated insurance policy for the subcontractor. get his Liability insurance and if they have employees get his Workman Comp insurance information as well! This way if anyone gets hurt on the job at your house, you will not be sued by the person who was injured! VERY IMPORTANT

4.) Have each subcontractor you hire sign a Lien Waiver with you, this way if something goes haywire between the two of you the subcontractor may not put a Lien on your house if you decide to hold payment! You can buy a pack of pre-printed Lien Waivers at most office supply chain stores. get it signed!

Prescreen each subcontractor following ALL of these tip for hiring a subcontractor and i guarantee you a satisfying experience with your sub's!

For basement finishing ideas and planning visit: http://www.1Basement.com

Here's to "Living Down Under"

Edward Case