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Our News Letter - Winter 2009

A Qualified Contractor:


Now more than ever is a great time to make improvements on your home.  The costs of materials are reasonable and there are a number of Qualified Contractors ready to work. 


With that being said what constitutes a qualified contractor?  If they have a pick-up and a business card are they qualified?  If they are licensed and insured does that mean they are qualified?   How about that free estimate? 


I could go on with the clichés associated with the field of residential renovations but there is a point to my subtle sarcasm. 


Those of us who are Qualified Contractors have taken the time to build a business that encompasses both the knowledge of construction with the knowhow of business.  The two are blended, each respecting the other, each building from the other.  With this approach a Company is formed that provides service, respect and integrity.


On the flip-side there are a number of individuals who say they can do the work.  They probably can.  However, do they have insurance, do they have a business license, do they pay payroll taxes, and do they have an office?  When it comes time to begin the project is there a typed contract protecting both the client and the contractor or is it simply a written “proposal”?  More importantly, when it comes time to complete the job do they?  Is there any money left to finish?  What is the warranty?  How do they plan to follow up with your project?


There are a number of Qualified Contractors out there looking for work.  Times are tough for all of us.  As a license and insured General Contractor, I feel it is my responsibility to inform you on some basics of hiring your contractor:

 

1. Ask to see a copy of their State Board of Licensing and make sure it is current and in good standing.  (www.tn.gov/commerce/boards/contractors/index.shtml)

 

2. Ask for a copy of their insurance certificate.  They should have both General Liability and Worker’s Compensation coverage.  The copy you received should be mailed to you directly from the insurance carrier. Your name should be listed at the bottom left corner as the “Certificate Holder”.   Do not accept a copy provided to by the contractor.

 

3. Ask to see pictures of their work or take a tour of a current job in progress.

 

4.Get a list of references and call them.

 

5.Use you instincts.  If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. 

 

Good construction costs money.  Bad construction costs a fortune.  Do your due diligence when hiring your next contractor.

 

Upcoming events:

 

January 2010:  Renovation and Repair: Lead Based Paint Certification Course @ the Home Builder’s Association of Southern Tennessee, Chattanooga

 

February 2010: International Home Builder’s Show in Las Vegas

 

What have we have been doing?


June 2009:  Greg Rollins completed the Earth Craft Renovator’s Course in Atlanta Georgia.

 

August 2009: Greg Rollins completed the Certified Aging in Place Specialist curriculum (C.A.P.S.) in Chattanooga Tennessee. 

Rollins Contracting is now C.A.P.S. certified as of December 2009. 

 

October 2009:  Tracey Whitten attended the Remodeling and Deck Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana.

 

January 2010: Chuck Miller and Greg Rollins are scheduled to attend the Renovation and Repair Lead Based Paint Certification Course.

 

February 2010: Look for us at the Spring Home Show in Chattanooga Tennessee.

 

Helpful Hints:


Have your HVAC serviced.  Install new filters

 

Add insulation to your attic and fill gaps in your home with caulking