Be Very Careful hiring a Contractor !

Here is the thing.

Every contractor wants your money and a lot of them will do almost anything it takes to get their hands on it.

I almost never advocate watching TV as a source of information. In this case, I am going to make an exception. One excellent show I watch helps me to be a better contractor. I wish I could go and work for this person for a year, heck if I could afford it I would go work for him for free just for the education.

The show is named Holmes on Homes. It is a home improvement show on The Discovery Home channel, which features a contractor from Toronto Canada, named Mike Holmes. Mike goes in to peoples homes after an unscrupulous , dishonest or shoddy contractor has either botched a job so badly the work has to be re-done or he cleans up the shoddy mess left behind by these people in order to give their houses and lives back to the people he helps. Six or Eight episodes of this show and you will know the basics and will see what can happen to you if you pick a bad contractor.

Visit his website at http://www.holmesonhomes.com/

Here are some things you should do to try and make sure you pick a good contractor.

Take your time and do your home work. The more time you spend picking a good contractor, the better chance you have of picking one that will do the work properly and will finish the job. Keep in mind you really do need a permit to do almost anything that involves the structure or the main systems (electrical, plumbing etc) in your home. If the contractor you are looking to hire says you do not need a permit, do two things immediately.

Ask why do I not need a permit? ( And see if he will put it in writing)
Then call your local building permit agency and ask them if you need a permit.

If the building permit agency (who issues permits) tells you that you do need a permit, then DO NOT HIRE this contractor!

They have already lied to you and are probably incompetent or may be crooked. Any competent contractor is used to dealing with permits and inspectors and will have no problem with having one on site. Crooked contractors tell you that you do not need a permit, because they can then cut corners, make more profit and charge you full price for shoddy work. The whole permit process is there to protect you and the contractor and is really your only line of defense if things go wrong. A building inspector who oversees building projects on your home can make a contractor follow the building code and do things right. This can save you enormous headaches in the future. The worst feeling in the world is seeing the job half-done, all the money gone and the contractor you have already paid is gone!

This may seem daunting but it is really pretty straightforward. A good tip I can give you is try to select contractors you may need on an urgent basis before you need them. Why? Because if you have an emergency repair and need to find someone quickly, (who is also good and fair) you don’t have time to go through a lengthy selection process.
The WORST thing you can ever do is picking someone from the Yellow Pages without interviewing them first.
I am not talking about getting a bid for work you do not need, but try to get the names before you need them of some well-recommended emergency contractors, like a plumbing or heating contractor. The easiest, and one of the best ways to select a possible contractor, is to get references from friends, family or a Realtor you trust.

Please, do not just use the “Yellow pages” and hire the first one who answers the phone.

There is a lot more you can do to help yourself.

Education is your best line of defense, Good luck in your search.

Here are some things you should do to try to make sure you pick a good contractor.

Ask to see their business license.

If they are a legitimate contractor, they will have no problem showing you a license to operate in your area.
Ask to see written proof of their Insurance.

Again, If they are a legitimate contractor, they will have no problem showing you they are Insured.
Ask them to provide references.

Call the references and if possible, go and look at their past work.
Call the local Chamber of commerce or Better Business Bureau and ask questions about them.
Get a written detailed estimate that spells out the nature, scope, inclusions and exclusions on the project. Payment terms are a part of this process.
Get some education for yourself about the nature and scope of the project you are getting ready to do.

Visit the library, look it up on the Internet, talk to professionals, do anything except take the first bid and take their word on it about everything the project takes.
Call the competition.

I know what my competitors will say about me.

I am comfortable with not being the cheapest person in this business.

Cheapest is not usually the best.

I think you get what you pay for.

Thankx, bigmike Check out http://answrtek.com/ my new business

A Trip to Wal _ Mart - Too Funny !!

Got this from a friend of mine. I think it is hilarious. Read on.

> Subject: A TRIP TO WAL-MART -- TOO FUNNY!

You are in the middle of some kind of project around the house. Mowing the lawn, putting a new fence in, painting the living room, or whatever. You are hot and sweaty. Covered in dirt or paint. You have your old work clothes on. You know the outfit, shorts with the hole in crotch, old t-shirt with a stain from who knows what, and an old pair of tennis shoes. Right in the middle of this great home improvement project you realize you need to run to Wal-Mart to get something to help complete the job. Depending on your age you might do the following.

> In your 20's:

> Stop what you are doing. Shave, take a shower, blow dry your hair, brush your teeth, floss, and put on clean clothes. Check yourself in the mirror and flex. Add a dab of your favorite cologne because you never know, you just might meet some hot chick while standing in the checkout lane. You went to school with the pretty girl running the register.>

> In your 30's:

> Stop what you are doing, put on clean shorts and shirt. Change shoes.

> You married the hot chick so no need for much else. Wash your hands and comb your hair. Check yourself in the mirror. Still got it. Add a shot of your favorite cologne to cover the smell. The cute girl running the register is the kid sister to someone you went to school with.>

> In your 40's:

> Stop what you are doing. Put a sweatshirt that is long enough to cover the hole in the crotch of your shorts. Put on different shoes and a hat. Wash your hands. Your bottle of Brute Cologne is almost empty so you don't want to waste any of it on a trip to Wal-Mart. Check yourself in the mirror and do more sucking in than flexing. The spicy young thing running the register is your daughter's age and you feel weird thinking she is spicy.

> In your 50's:

> Stop what you are doing. Put a hat on, wipe the dirt off your hands onto your shirt. Change shoes because you don't want to get dirt in your new sports car. Check yourself in the mirror and you swear not to wear that shirt anymore because it makes you look fat. The cutie running the register smiles when she sees you coming and you think you still have it. Then you remember the hat you have on is from your buddy's bait shop and it says, "I Got Worms".

> In your 60's:

> Stop what you are doing. No need for a hat anymore. Hose off the dog crap off your shoes. The mirror was shattered when you were in your 50's. You hope you have underwear on so nothing hangs out the hole in your pants. The girl running the register may be cute but you don't have your glasses on so you are not sure.

> In your 70's:

>

> Stop what you are doing. Wait to go to Wal-Mart until they have your prescriptions ready too. Don't' even notice the dog crap on your shoes. The young thing at the register smiles at you because you remind her of her grandfather.

> In your 80's:

>

> Stop what you are doing. Start again. Then stop again. Now you remember that you needed to go to Wal-Mart. Go to Wal-Mart and wonder around trying to think what it is you are looking for. Fart out loud and you think someone called out your name. The old lady that greeted you at the front door went to school with you.

>

> In your 90's:

> Stop what you are doing.

 

Thankx,

Mike

Check out http://answrtek.com my new business

 

Shameless self promotion - YES I am !

Hey everybody,

 

I just wanted to take a minute to share some information.

 

1. A new batch of my goods is up on eBay. Check them out here at the AnswrTek on line store http://www.auctiva.com/stores/viewstore.aspx?=&id=102857 You can also search for me by my seller name, (which is of course) - userID: AnswrTek
2. My new business is up and running and so far, so good. If you know anybody in the area who could use some help with their home repairs Please PLUG ME ! My website that explains all that I can offer is at http://answrtek.com - Check it out and let me know what you think. I built it, designed the pages and the system used to move around within it and could use a little feedback. Since I live in such a dial - up (non-broadband area) part of the country, the site is designed to load any page over broadband in 5-8 seconds or less. Let me know if you experience significantly more time than that waiting on it to load. I'd like to know what your impressions (good and bad) of the site is and would like to know what your thoughts are that would make it better. Be Tough on me if you want. I'm a big boy. I can take it !
3. My blog is updated to a new look and feel. Check it out at http://bigmikerant.blogspot.com

Why am I doing all of this you may wonder? Well....As you all may or may not know I am looking for work and am currently unemployed. My employer and I parted ways.

 

So.....Selling stuff on eBay and painting houses probably is not going to be a long term thing, but the ends got to get made somehow don't they?

 

So far , so good.

 

Next week I am going to sit on Hwy 53 and sell pencils and brooms while wearing my sunglasses. !!

 

If that don't work I'm going to hire me some cheerleaders and start having car washes in my driveway !

 

Monday I'm going to stand at the end of my driveway with a Cardboard sign "Will work for Junk to sell on eBay"

 

Later and have a great day!

Thankx,

bigmike

Check out http://answrtek.com my new business

 

My take on the 2008 Democratic Presidential Candidates

Good Afternoon,

 

There has been a lot of hype and hyperbole about how many candidates in both parties there are for the 2008 Presidential election. I cannot remember a time where there were this many, this early, saying this little.  I know some of you could care less about politics, but as many of you know it is my passion and I follow it pretty closely. I think we will elect a President from this pool, because nobody likes GW anymore and the war in Iraq is wearing us out and consequently we don't like republicans or trust them as a result. Just because I want to therefore, here is my take on the Democrats. Personally I think America is finally strong enough for either a Black, Hispanic or a woman to be President. Given the level of distrust in Bush and for all the reasons above, I think we will look past gender and race as a result.

 

I'll do the Republicans later. Remember, you get what you pay for.

 

Knowledge is Power.

 

Thankx- bigmike

 

posted from "The Rant from bigmike" at

http://bigmikerant.blogspot.com/

 

Take a second and check out my new business at

 

http://answrtek.com and let me know what you think.

 

 

******My Opinions on the 2008 Democratic Presidential Candidates******

 

Joe Biden - 

Really Smart guy. Very presidential bearing. Knows his stuff. Doesn't have a chance to get elected because he has "foot in mouth" disease and because he cannot compete with the superstars in his own party. Has a lot of substance , style turns people off because he comes across as a smart aleck and always has some wisecrack that seems petty coming from the President. Pity.

He may be the best of the bunch and will not get a chance because he cannot be something he is not, which is charismatic and genuine. There is not a warm people friendly bone in his body.

Also has problems with his past that the Republicans will beat him to a bloody pulp with. Too proud to be the VP, will disappear and write books after this election.

 

Christopher Dodd -

Numb nuts rich guy. Claim to fame is he is wealthy and has been in politics forever. 5 time senator blah , blah, blah. Boring and wishy washy. No real chops. What might be called a "lightweight" candidate. All style, no chance of being president. Couldn't win a debate with Hillary about how to put air in a car tire. Has secured his legacy as a mere footnote in history.

 

John Edwards -

Pretty lawyer who made his money suing people. Now he wants to "give something back", What ? A believable trial lawyer?. Perfect hair. Tries to tout his home town appeal while sporting hundred dollar haircuts. Was John Kerry's running mate in 2004. More boring than Al Gore if that is possible. Millionaire senator who wants to represent the common man? Unbelievable rhetoric. Kind of disingenuous when you think about it. Wife is sick with cancer, which may help with liberal base a little, but will not help with swing voters who usually vote republican. Pisses off rich people, cannot get elected by ticking off the donors. Kind of reminds me of Dan Quayle in a smart kind of way.

 

Mike Gravel

Who? Non name recognition. Nobody knows him. He is politicking to be the VP. Anybody else know where he is the past Senator from? Claim to fame is helping to end the draft during the Vietnam war as well as advocating a couple of other goofy unrelated ideas. Had a large part in releasing the Pentagon papers. Ho-Hum. Wasted vote.

 

Al Gore-

Not a candidate. Boring and bored with Politics. His day is over. Fugghaadaaboutittt. Gives a hell of a slide show about global warming. Did I hear that his Movie won an Oscar? Likeable guy. Would be President now if he had not abandoned Bill Clinton in his first run in 2000. Stooooooopid move. Cannot stand his wife Tipper "Frantic causes" Gore.

 

Dennis Kucinich -

Mr. "I run for President whether I have the support or not". Nutcase with No democratic support. Former elected official from Ohio. Calls himself the "Peace Candidate". Just what we need, a President who is a pansy. How is he going to deal with Iran, China, N. Korea, Russia or anybody else who hates us? Invite them for dinner and play scrabble? Please. Somebody should leash this guy, whoop his butt and send him back home.

 

Bill Richardson -

Smart guy who cannot help but shoot himself in the foot and ass with stupid comments and deeds. Google him and see what I mean. Constantly re-explaining himself. Pity, because he has strong foreign policy and domestic credentials. Would make a good President, probably has a better shot at VP though. First Hispanic candidate. Career Politician.

 

Al Sharpton -

Not an candidate and shouldn't be. Pentecostal minister. Scam Artist. Friend of Jesse Jackson. Tawanna Brawley. Picks a cause of the week. Led the protests and Duke against Lacrosse players. Consummate race baiter. Wants to be the "Black Person" representative and go to guy for all news about blacks. Dishonest , disingenuous past. Ran for President in 2004 and now campaign money questions still linger. Need I say more? Personally . I cannot stand this guy and given the chance I would tell him off to his face.He is in it for the money and the fame. Doesn't give a damn about people. (Sorry if this offends you, not him.) Wouldn't vote for this guy to be dog catcher. It would be an insult to dogs everywhere. Can't be trusted, shouldn't be elected to any position. No integrity.

 

Barack Obama -

Nice guy. Speaks very well and lucidly. Has no background in public policy to speak of except he has wrote a couple of best selling political books. Very strong on style, haven't heard a thing yet on substance. Well liked candidate, and pretty smart guy. I like to listen to him, yet cannot hear any answers, just warm background noise. Gets compared to the buzz that surrounded Jack Kennedy during his heyday, a lot. Gets rock star crowds at his rallies and appeals to young voters (who don't vote in big numbers), and has an easy down to earth rhetoric that is very smooth and is hard to criticize.

Problem is he has NOTHING on the table that goes directly to the issues at hand.

Sounds good and looks good right now, wait until he starts getting whacked by Republicans and Democrats and has to have better answers than the platitudes he has going for him now before you decide.

Right now he has Ideas and not answers. Big Difference.

Has a better than average shot at being President.  Probably the candidate to beat if and only if the other candidates figure it out, admit it and then back him.

The problem is the Democrats still have figured out how to speak with one voice. Too proud to be the VP candidate, so no dream team chance. (with him and/or Hillary in either role).

Seems to be his election to lose.

 

Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton -

Former First lady and current US Senator from New York state. Wife of Bill (depends on the meaning of the word of). Lots of baggage and a big mountain of it to overcome.

for example LAWYER. Whitewater. Monica. Gennifer Flowers. Ken Starr.

Polarizing candidate is not the word for it. With this woman, you either love her or you do not. You either see her as the answer or you would like for her to go away.

Burned up any good will she may have had as a former first lady a long time ago.

First real woman candidate ( I mean who had any kind of chance to get elected).

If she uses Bill wisely and gets him to keep it in his pants, she may have a shot. Smart and strong. I wouldn't want to piss her off though. Seems like she could order a missile strike.

Has had a lot of negative press, mostly generated by Republicans, very little from Democrats.

Reminds me of Margaret Thatcher (Former PM of England when Reagan was President). Strong Political organizational skills. The haters hate her and the lovers love her.

If she gets the right VP candidate to run with her (for example Her and Barack)  she would be unbeatable.

Has a plan for everything. Has an answer for every question and appears to have a sense of humor. Has to have, because she is married to "Baggage Bill".

Will be there to pick up the pieces when Obama falters.

Probably the nominee.

 

Am I wrong? You tell me. Post a comment on the blog and let me know.

 

~bigmike

 

Check out my online store , new listings on eBay!

Hey Everybody,

 

Check out my new online store .

 

It contains all the items I currently have for sale on eBay.

 

You can access it here : http://www.auctiva.com/stores/viewstore.aspx?id=102857

 

Also If you or anybody you know might be interested in having some home repair done,

 

check out my "Real Value Coupon" here :  http://answrtek.com/answrtekcoupon.Times.ad.pdf

 

Thankx,

bigmike

Check out http://answrtek.com my new business