The Unofficial Guide to Hiring Contractors (Unofficial Guides) [Paperback]

Duncan C. Stephens (Author)

Book Description

Series: Unofficial Guides | Publication Date: December 1, 1998

The inside scoop…for when you want more than the official line! No matter what changes and improvements you're planning for your home, from remodeling a kitchen to building a deck, hiring contractors can be a scary experience. From the moment you start looking for a contractor until the day you sit back and enjoy the finished results, how do you stay on top of the process and feel that you are in control? You want to avoid the sensation that people working in your home just might be taking advantage of you. You want the inside scoop. The Unofficial Guide^™ to Hiring Contractors gives savvy consumers like you a foolproof appraisal of what works and what doesn't—the good deals and the bad ones—with unbiased recommendations that are not influenced by any company, product, or organization. This book, like every Unofficial Guide,^™ is intensively inspected by the Unofficial Panel of Experts, a team of highly respected contractors and inspectors. They ensure that you are armed with the most up-to-date insider information on how to hire contractors and are told exactly what the Official establishment doesn't want you to know. Vital Information that other sources can't or won't reveal—from avoiding home security rip-offs to finding high-quality materials without paying high prices. Insider Secrets from contractors, supply vendors, and homeowners who've been through it all. Money-Saving Techniques that show you how to create your dream home without breaking your budget. Time-Saving Tips to help you and your contractor get the job done without delays. The Latest Trends in home design, room styles, and outdoor maintenance. Handy Checklists and Charts that help you coordinate your home improvement schedule.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

For most people, the mere thought of hiring a contractor is enough to induce nightmares of epic proportions--crazed contractors showing up late, leaving early, and offering shoddy workmanship at best, all to the tune of some figure that's 10 times what was originally promised. If this sounds all too familiar, and you're looking at diving into a home-improvement or remodeling project, pick up Duncan C. Stephen's The Unofficial Guide to Hiring Contractors. Stephens, who lived through the complete remodel of his 750-square-foot ranch-style home--now a 1,600-square-foot Cape Cod--knows whereof he speaks. From finding a contractor and surviving the remodeling ordeal to controlling the work and wrapping up the job--as well as additional in-depth discussions of specific remodeling projects, a resource guide, and helpful charts and checklists--Stephens's expert advice will get you on the road to the home of your dreams.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 2 edition (December 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028624602
• ISBN-13: 978-0028624600
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,648,828 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Help for the helpless, February 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Unofficial Guide to Hiring Contractors (Unofficial Guides) (Paperback)

If I ever do any remodeling again, I'm handing a copy of this book to the contractor! It's so clear on what you should expect from your contractor, and what you can do to make the job move smoothly -- and what to do when the inevitable problems creep in. Speaking of creeps, the contractors I used when I renovated my NYC co-op were the worst -- the work looked great, but they were from Long Island and had failed to do the work to NYC code! The problems wound up costing me hundreds of dollars and hours of time, and the contractors had disappeared by the time the bills came due, even after they swore they'd make the changes themselves at no cost to me. Did I ever have the kind of binding contract this book talks about? Contract -- what's a contract? I was foolish, yes, but I won't be caught in this bind again, thanks to the Unofficial Guide.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Book You Must Have, May 21, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Unofficial Guide to Hiring Contractors (Unofficial Guides) (Paperback)

This book is a gem. If you are thinking about remodeling, buy the book and read it before you do anything! I used this book as my guide to remodeling my 1000-sq-foot ranch, improving the kitchen, baths and windows. This book was at its best when it came to tips about dealing with contractors and builders (and what the differences are!!) I believe that my wife and I would be much more out of pocket and out of temper if we hadn't followed Mr. Stephens' sound advice.