The Unofficial Guide to Hiring Contractors (The Unofficial Guide Series) (Paperback)

~ Duncan Stephens (Author) "Planning well is essential to any home project; every subsequent step depends on it..." (more)
Key Phrases: Bright Idea, Consumer Reports, Yellow Pages (more...)

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 Description

Millions of dollars are spent on home renovations each year. . . and millions more on lawsuits over poor workmanship, scheduling, or contract terms. So when the roof needs re-shingling or the kitchen has to be painted, how does a homeowner get the work done without being taken to the cleaners? The Unofficial Guide to Hiring Contractors teaches readers to assess their needs, research their options, and make decisions that can save them a bundle. It addresses the homeowner's concerns by giving them the low-down on finding a contractor, interviewing him or her, understanding fees, and confronting issues of quality, timeliness, and organization. It also reveals what contractors won't tell you -- and shows how to avoid getting burned.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: MacMillan Publishing Company.; 1 edition (November 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.com Sales Rank: #987,451 in Books (See Bestsellers 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

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 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.