CONDO REHABBERS

From a makeover of the bathroom or kitchen to a remodeling of the entire condominium, condo rehabbers can be invaluable in making your place a true home.

But, like selecting a mover or other service for your Chicago condo or suburban Chicago condo, where can you begin? Consumer experts agree that perhaps the worst way to choose is by the size or style of an ad you might find online, in a local phone book or in a printed publication. That method should be a starting point at the very most.

The easiest and perhaps best way to select a condo rehabber is to ask for referrals or suggestions from people you trust, such as a friend or family member. Previous experience goes a long way in establishing trust and capability.

Be sure to obtain the names of more than one condo rehabber to consider. Juggling dozens will likely bog you down and waste the time of legitimate businesspeople, but three is a great start.

Meet with the contractors to see if there is a chemistry or rapport. Contractors need to be punctual and professionally equipped to make the proper measurements and notes necessary to provide you with an appropriate estimate. If delays at a previous appointment occur, the condo rehabber should keep you up to date with his schedule so you are not left wondering if your appointment has been forgotten.

You also need to be comfortable with the contractor’s attitude and demeanor. Quality, fairly priced work is the most important consideration, but there’s no reason to be rushed, treated discourteously or worse.

Make sure the condo rehabber you select for the work on your Chicago condo, Chicago townhouse, suburban Chicago condo or suburban Chicago townhouse is properly licensed and insured. There should be no hesitation by any contractor to provide proof of these two important factors. As a consumer, keep in mind that insurance isn’t free. A contractor who has insurance to protect himself and your property while he and/or his employees are working on it will probably not have the most rock-bottom estimate. Consider the potential consequences if an uninsured or under-insured condo rehabber damages your property, or injures himself/herself while on your property. You could be liable!

Be sure to also check a contractor’s longevity in the business, additional referrals or examples of work you can visit, along with experience in the specific task(s) you are looking to accomplish. Check online as well as with your local Better Business Bureau.

You should also require a written guarantee. A deposit of 25-33% is acceptable, with final payment due on completion. And any condo rehabber who suggests or requires a “sign on the dotted line now for the best price” discount or promotion is probably worth steering away from.

The condo specialists at OwnACondo.com are happy to provide these general tips for selecting a condo rehabber. This is not meant to serve as an all-inclusive guide. Be sure to use your own best judgment and input from a variety of sources when researching and selecting a contractor for your specific needs.