Archadeck of Charlotte - North Carolina

Showroom

PlaySystems

Decks, Porches and more

Archadeck of Charlotte
2311 Village Lake Drive
Charlotte, North Carolina 28212
(704) 944-1350
Fax (704) 944-1354
E-Mail Us: charlotte@archadeck.net

Do not put your home at risk! It is a very important investment for you. Is your builder applying for and providing you with a building permit?

Although not all home improvements require a permit, the homeowner is legally responsible for getting the permit for projects that require one. A building permit protects you, the homeowner, by insuring that the work done to your property will be completed in compliance with local and state building codes. In essence, your local county government becomes your watch dog, making sure that your contractor builds your job correctly and legally. Archadeck of Charlotte obtains permits for each project and is happy to provide this service for our customers. At Archadeck, we take much pride in the fact that we consistently meet or exceed all building codes.

Don’t let anyone tell you that a building permit is not necessary. Find out for yourself before signing a contract with a contractor. A project completed without a permit, when required, could lead to insurance or property transfer problems. In some cases, the county has even made homeowners tear down illegally constructed projects.

MAKE SURE THAT ALL BIDS ARE FOR THE SAME SPECIFICATIONS:
It is good consumer practice to shop around. However, beware the contractor who promises to "build it the same way XYZ Builders does, but for a much lower price". Detailed drawings and written construction specifications are the best way to ensure consistency between bids. For the same design, a higher price may reflect different (and superior) materials, workmanship, business practices, project integrity and after-installation customer service.
GET IT IN WRITING:
Contracts and design capabilities can fall within a full spectrum of presentations. Prepare yourself for everything from scribbles on a business card, to "trust me" verbal agreements based on a handshake. Although the handshake part is an important start of your relationship with a contractor, do not consider it as a final basis for the details of your project. Always detail your agreement in writing.
ELIMINATE GUESSWORK…AND SURPRISES:
Come to a full understanding with your contractor. Written contracts can range from signing a simple estimate to a more thoroughly documented agreements. Details that can, if overlooked, turn into particular sources of dissatisfaction include:
- GENERAL BUILDING SPECIFICATIONS:
  Contractors who perform new construction provide specifications that detail the types of lumber and materials they provide in every aspect of their projects. Your remodeling and home improvement contractor should do the same. Remember, if it is not in writing, it is subject to change without your knowing, or having legal recourse to settle disputes.
- UTILITIES:
  Will the contractor locate and avoid interfering with underground utilities such as telephone, gas, cable TV, and natural gas lines? Similarly, does the contractor locate and account for obstructions that could have an effect on the cost and process of your project, such as vents, meters, and gutter downspouts?
- LUMBER DROP:
  Often overlooked, your ability to agree upon allocation for the lumber truck to drop materials can avoid damage to your lawn or garden, as well as surprise blockage in your driveway.
- CLEAN UP:
  Will you or the contractor remove and dispose of excess lumber, cuttings, dropped hardware, and litter? Clean up costs money, time and effort.

IS THE CONTRACTOR RESPECTFUL OF YOU AND YOUR HOME? As part of the agreement, does your potential contractor ask for use of your electrical and bathroom facilities once construction begins? Beyond attention to detail, this courtesy also gauges the level of respect the contractor has for you and your home.
DO NOT PAY MORE THAN _ OF THE CONTRACT VALUE AS A DEPOSIT UNTIL THE CONSTRUCTION STARTS:
It is quite reasonable for a contractor to ask for and receive a down payment upon the sale, as well as scheduled future progress payments. Yet, many of the remodeling horror stories involve homeowners who paid a large deposit and got little or none of the work performed. Because most projects require the outlay of very little cash until the actual start, a demand for a larger deposit may be an indication that the contractor has been judged a poor credit risk.
DO NOT PUT YOUR HOME AT RISK:
It is a very important investment for you. For instance, one important consideration involves how your deck or other outdoor home improvement is attached to your home. Improper protection against water, or the wrong method of attachment to your house, can result in damage to your home’s framing. Improper attachment may also jeopardize the integrity and strength of your deck or project. Local codes will provide minimum standards that you should expect, but always confirm that flashing (the detour of water from the point of attachment to your home by both physical pathways and waterproofing materials) is detailed in your contract. Also ensure that nails are not the sole means of attaching your project to your home; lag bolts are a better means. Remember, include these written specifications in your contract.
VERIFY THAT THE CONTRACTOR HAS GENERAL LIABILITY AND WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE:
Without such coverage, you could be held liable for property damage or injuries that occur on your property. Furthermore, simply seeing a certificate of insurance is not enough. Some insurance companies enclose a certificate- complete with policy number and levels of liability coverage- in the same envelope as they include their premium notice. A truly dishonest contractor can throw the premium notice away without paying for coverage, yet can hang onto the certificate, bring it to your home, and flaunt it for you. ALWAYS write down the name of the insurance broker and the policy number. This way you can call and verify that your contractor is covered against liabilities. Remember, if the contractor is not insured and is hurt on the job, the contractor- or even the government- can sue you.
DO NOT JUST ASK YOUR CONTRACTOR FOR REFERENCES FROM OTHER HOMEOWNERS: You should break references into two further categories:
- A contractors’ inability to stay in business is often not a result of poor workmanship. Their failure as a business (and consequent inability to do warranty repairs, let alone finish your project) is more often a result of poor business practices. Reasonable business people will take no offense when you ask for business references (local lumber yards, code officials, local wholesalers, etc.) and will proudly provide these references to you upon request. Struggling, unprofessional contractors will not.
- Do not ask for a generic list of satisfied customers. Expand your list to include customers from two or more years ago, owners of recently completed projects, and customers whose projects are currently under construction. This will give you a historical performance review of your contractor. Furthermore, if your project is tall, short, crooked, or purple with pink polka dots, then ask for and speak with references with projects that are tall, short, crooked, or purple with pink polka dots. IF REQUIRED, IS THE CONTRACTOR LICENSED?
- If you reside within a state or municipality that requires or offers a licensing process for contractors, then settle for nothing less. Licensed contractors have demonstrated that they meet or exceed the experience, financial integrity, and knowledge criteria that are considered a minimum to operate in a competent, professional manner.
- In North Carolina, any home improvement in excess of $30,000 requires construction to be done by a Licensed General Contractor. In South Carolina, any improvement in excess of $5000 requires the services of a Licensed GC.