Finding Repairmen You Can Trust

FINDING craftsmen to repair or remodel your house calls for almost the same degree of care you would employ in looking for a family doctor. To do otherwise is to jeopardize the value of your most cherished investment.

For small home repair and remodeling jobs you can get by with the name of a craftsman plucked from the phone book. But make sure your nominee has been in business locally for three years or so and will supply references. Be certain to call these people and have them give you an account of the person's workmanship, prices, reliability and character.

If you are planning a project that calls for superlative craftsmanship, ask for referrals from building materials wholesalers, such as plumbing supply houses and lumberyards.

For major remodeling jobs, you will probably need a general contractor. He or she will assume command of the entire project. That means finding designers to draw up your plans, hiring subcontractors to do the work and arranging for building permits and inspections. The fee: roughly 10% to 25% of the entire cost.