TheMostEssential Do'sandDon'ts ChoosingtheRight...

The Most EssentialDo's and Don'ts forChoosing the RightContractor

The DO'sDo plan your project carefully.Do shop around before hiring acontractor. Do get at least three written bids on your project.Do provide all contractors with accurate plans ordrawings that will enable them to determine the scopeand cost of work when requesting bids.Do check with the Contractors State License Board tomake sure the contractor is properly licensed, and tocheck the status and disciplinary history of the license.Do check out contractors with your local buildingdepartment, tradeassociations or unions,consumer protectionagency, and the BetterBusiness Bureau.Do look at workthe contractor hascompleted.Do ask your contractor tofurnish a completion orcontract bond.Do consult with more than one lendinginstitution regarding thetype of loan to obtain.Do ask your lender torecommend a funding­control company.Do make sure your contract provides for a "retention," a percentage of each payment or of the total job,ordinarily 10 percent, which you retain until the job iscompleted.Do make sure everything you and your contractor have agreed to is included in your contract, and don't signanything until you understand and agree with all terms.Do ask your contractor about inconveniences that mayoccur, and plan accordingly.Do keep a job file.

Americans spend billions of dollars on construc­tion and home remodeling each year. Many home­owners have discovered that improving their presentresidence with an updated kitchen, an additional bath­

room, new windows or a new roof can be a moreprudent investment than purchasing a new resi­dence. However, adding a room or updating a kitchencan cost more than a new car, and consumers should takesome time and care in planning a costly home­improvementproject. Unfortunately, mostconsumers spend less timechoosing a contractor than theydo choosing a car. Here is achecklist of important things toconsider before starting anymajor construction project:

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Keller Williams VIP Properties25124 Springfield Court

Valencia, CA 91355

Mr. Reza BaniahmadOffice: 661­290­3894Cell: 661­993­4193reza@rezabproperties.comwww.rezabproperties.com

Mr. Reza BaniahmadKeller Williams VIP Properties

Do make sure you receive unconditional lien releasesfrom subcontractors and material suppliers.Do make frequent inspections of the work, including awalk­through.Do consult an attorney if a mechanics' lien is filed againstyour property.Do negotiate with the contractor first if problems ordisagreements occur.

(Choosing the Right Contractor ­ Cont.)

Can't remember what time of year to trim your treesand bushes? Well, early spring is the best time ­ butthere are a few exceptions: do not trim your Springflowering bushes until immediately after bloom; while most

evergreen bushes should not be trimmed until latespring or early summer after the new growth flushes out.Now, cut this out and stick it to the fridge before youforget!

The DON'TsDon't hire an unlicensed contractor.Don't hire a contractor without first shopping around. Don't be fooled or pressured by a smooth­talkingsalesperson. Take the time and effort to make sure thatthe person or business doing your home improvementis going to perform in a professional manner.

Don't act as an owner/builder, unless you are veryexperienced in construction.Don't sign anything until you completely understand itand agree to the terms.Don't make agreements with subcontractors or workerswithout consulting the prime contractor.Don't pay cash without a proper receipt.Don't make a down payment that exceeds the legal limit,usually ten percent.Don't let your payments get ahead of the contractor'scompleted work.Don't hesitate to ask questions of the contractor.Don't make final payment until you are satisfiedwith the job.

Time to Trim?

The world­famous Hollywoodsign was first erected in 1923.It was initially conceived as a

real estate ad and originally readHollywoodland.

The sign stands 50 feet tall,stretches 450 feet across, and

weighs 450,000 pounds.

Mr. Reza BaniahmadKeller Williams VIP Properties25124 Springfield CourtValencia, CA 91355Office: 661­290­3894Cell: 661­993­4193reza@rezabproperties.comwww.rezabproperties.com

Equal Housing Opportunity If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.