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5 Tips For Hiring General Contractors

General Contractors by durhambg0 comments

Building a home is one of life’s biggest achievements, but it’s also a massive undertaking. Many people make the mistake of hiring any contractor they can online. Remember that you need skilled labor, quality materials, and sound equipment to get the job done right. The worst thing you can do is hire contractors who don’t have the necessary experience or skillset. But you can avoid that situation with this blog post! Here are five tips on how to hire excellent general contractors for your building project.

1. Compare Different Contractors

It’s easy to find a contractor, but to land yourself a good one? You have to exert the effort. You can do this best by comparing multiple offers from different companies. Never settle for the first offer nor opt for the cheapest option. Ensure that you actually understand your needs and desires and that everything aligns with your budget. Ask each one what field they specialize in, such as gutter experts or siding contractors, and get an accurate estimate. You also need to be wary of the prices seem too low or high because this could indicate something about the company’s competency level. In the end, go with the one that is able to answer most of your concerns for a reasonable price.

2. Check for Credibility

Some contractors will always be better than their competitors. And they often let their outputs do the talking. Ask the contractors if they can refer you to a previous client of theirs to see their workmanship. 

A well-established contractor also has a solid online presence and reviews on sites like Google My Business or Yelp. If the contractor has been in business for several years, this typically means they’re doing a good job because people still want to work with them after a long time. This makes seasoned contractors worth considering as opposed to new ones who haven’t had time to prove themselves yet.

Lastly, don’t forget to ask for their license and insurance coverages. This will assure you that they’re authorized by the government to execute and complete projects and that you’re well taken care of during the worst-case scenarios.

Don’t go for the first contractor, you’ll want to do a background check on them.

3. Hire Local Contractors

Local contractors are crucial for the aftermath of a project. It’s because you can quickly contact them whenever you’ve got any concerns. This also helps with scheduling adjustments for any conflicts or delays because of scenarios like weather and zoning issues. But just because the contractor is available locally doesn’t mean you wouldn’t double-check. Always check for credibility!

4. Don’t Forget Insurance

Insurance is a must-have for any kind of project. You don’t want any surprises at the end of a job, and you want to be sure you’re covered for any issues later on. Contractors need to provide liability insurance as well as worker’s compensation or an equivalent for the laborers. Liability insurance protects you against lawsuits from accidents during the building process, such as:

  • someone falling off scaffolding because it wasn’t properly secured, 
  • getting injured due to equipment failure like faulty wiring, 
  • or being hit by one of the company’s vehicles while crossing a street where no crosswalk was provided.

5. Don’t Pay Everything Upfront

When hiring a contractor, don’t spend all your budget right away. It’s best to pay only for the work done and materials that have already been used. This will ensure the best quality from your contractors without fear of them running off with all your money at once. It also gives you peace of mind knowing they won’t take advantage of any situation where there is more potential profit than work to do or materials available to use on the project. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

  • Make an itemized list of what needs to be completed in order before payment can be given the total value 
  • Give partial payments as milestones are reached.
  • Require regular progress reports 
  • Include provisions for penalties if deadlines are not met. 
  • Require work to be completed within a specific time frame.
  • Allow contractors to make suggestions for saving money or improving efficiency in your project’s design.

There are really just some contractors who are in it to win it…but not really in a fair game. Stray away from them.

General contractors play essential roles in the quality of your project. It’s vital that you make the necessary inspections to ensure that you’re hiring the right one. In the end, you’ll be the one reaping the results of their craft. Don’t waste your time on contractors who are only in it for the money.

5 Best Siding Companies In Durham NC For Your Next Home Renovation

Siding Companies by durhambg0 comments

Home siding is one of those home improvement projects that is often overlooked. People tend to invest most of their resources into interior design, thinking they can just skimp on the exterior materials. However, this can be disastrous and can hurt your home’s value and curb appeal. That said, you have to make sure that you hire experts in the cladding field. Luckily, you can save yourself the research since five of Durham’s best siding contractors are already listed here!

1. Raleigh Windows & Siding LLC

On the hunt for an affordable professional with a proven track record? Raleigh Windows & Siding LLC is the one you’re looking for. Expect this contractor to provide you with genuine siding recommendations that will complement the look of your home. It offers traditional siding types, including vinyl, fiber cement, and wood. The company also has a long list of satisfied clients who only have positive things to say about its customer service. Contact them today and see for yourself!

2. Dunrite Home Maintenance

Crafting stunning home renovation has been Dunrite’s expertise for decades. This Chapel Hill contractor not only boasts fine workmanship, but they also do their job in a neat, professional manner. Whether you’re looking for quality siding materials or simply want to make repairs for your home’s aged exterior, Dunrite does everything for you. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy as they perform the magic on your cladding.

3. Carolina Exteriors

With a strong love for their craft and their state, members of the Carolina Exteriors team are set on providing clients like you with the best service possible. They offer everything from complete installation to regular maintenance and potential repairs. Previous customers have complimented the company’s emphasis on clear communication and actually listening to their needs. If you want experts who are committed to your satisfaction, give them a call today.

4. Little Corner Construction

Serving Durham and its surrounding neighborhoods, Little Corner Construction is a household name in the city. You can count on them to skillfully install the siding of your new house or perform complete replacements fast. On top of that, they offer several years of warranty, proving that they trust their outputs to last a long time. To make things even better, Little Corner is known for charging reasonable prices just to put smiles on their customers’ faces. You could be the next one smiling now!

5. Triangle Renovations INC

With over three decades of experience, Triangle Renovations INC isn’t only popular in Durham but throughout the entire Carolina itself. While the company handles various renovation projects, siding is one of its specialties. These guys also take pride in stellar work, quick customer response, and honest rates. It’s pretty rare for a company to have an almost perfect track record, but Triangle Renovations INC proves that it can be done. Book them today!

What to Look for in a Siding Company

Not every company offers the same level of expertise or services. Some will always be better than others. To help you decide, here are some traits you should look for to find the best siding contractors in Durham, NC.

  • Good Reviews. One good way to determine whether a contractor is worth hiring is through their customers’ experiences. If they have many positive (legit) reviews, then you can count on them to complete your project professionally.
  • Quality Materials. A good siding contractor goes hand in hand with excellent materials. With their expertise, your potential company should be able to help you choose the best materials for your project while installing them effectively for high-quality results.
  • License & Insurance. Two of the most important qualifications you should be looking for are company license and insurance. This means they are authorized to do renovations, equipped with the right tools, knowledge, and safety precautions to do their job correctly. 
  • A Comprehensive Quote. Home siding is no cheap investment. You have every right to know where your money will be poured into. A good company should provide you with a quote that includes everything from material costs to labor rates and every other expense over the course of the project. 
  • A Detailed Contract. If a company’s contract is too vague, you should look for another contractor. You don’t want the short end of the stick when things go south. A detailed contract means they’ve taken the time to understand your renovation needs and are willing to do what it takes to meet them.

Siding is an important accessory to houses, make sure you’ve got it all right.

Wrapping Up

Choosing a siding contractor can be confusing but not when you’re informed! Now, with the tips above, make sure you pick the best one that meets your budget and needs. 

5 Best Moving Companies In Durham NC For Your Next Move

Moving Companies by durhambg0 comments

If you’re set on moving to Durham and haven’t called a mover yet, then it’s about time to rethink your strategy. Hiring movers might seem unnecessary at first, but they will make the process much less troublesome. If you are looking for a quick and stress-free move, this blog post has compiled five of the best Durham moving companies. You can trust that they don’t disappoint!

Why Hire Movers?

Before diving on the best movers list, you must first understand what you’re getting into. As you might already know, hiring a moving company is by no means cheap but is it worth it? Well, here are some benefits to help you with your decision.

  • Convenience. Moving your belongings will never be easy. It involves lots of heavy lifting and back-breaking work that can take days or even weeks without help. But no need to worry when you’ve got movers to do the labor for you.
  • Safety. Anything that involves heavy work runs the risk of causing injuries. If you’re moving alone, you’ll risk injuring yourself by trying to lift and carry too much weight than your body can handle. Hiring movers eliminates this hazard with their expertise and equipment while efficiently getting the job done.
  • Time-Efficient. It’s common knowledge that movers know the ins and outs of moving. With their help, you’ll spend fewer hours packing and organizing everything, saving you time and energy that you can allocate to other aspects of the move.
  • Your Belongings Are Insured. Nothing can beat the warm feeling of reassurance when relocating. When moving alone, you risk damaging your stuff. Meanwhile, movers offer insurance coverages so you can sleep peacefully at night knowing your belongings are in good hands. Just make sure to discuss what’s covered and not with your potential company.
  • Cost-effective. This one might come as a surprise, but it’s true. Contrary to common belief, movers actually save you money by helping you avoid sudden expenses like medical bills if you hurt yourself or repair bills when your stuff gets damaged.

Moving in Durham

Durham is a colorful place populated by over 270,000 people. As one of North Carolina’s famous cities, it boasts plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, with thousands of miles worth of lakes and rivers perfect for fishing, boating, or kayaking. Couple that with hundreds of trails weaving through thick forests filled with virgin wildlife. It’s not a surprise that many people, including you, would want to move there. And if you want your relocation to be quick, easy, and trouble-free, check out these five notable Durham moving companies to make your dream move a reality!

The 5 Best Movers Durham Has to Offer

1. Truckin’ Movers Corporation

If there’s one moving company that knows not only Durham but North Carolina as a whole, it has to be no other than Truckin’. Founded back in 1976, this hardworking team of elite movers has successfully facilitated more than 5,000 out-of-state moves and over 13,000 North Carolina transitions. On top of being affordable, they provide a versatile range of services from professional packing to furniture assembly to storage solutions. Hiring them might just be your smartest investment!

2. Athens Moving Experts

In terms of company age, Athens might be young, but it’s what makes this company interesting. Within the short period these movers have been operating, their service proves to be one of the best in North Carolina. Whether you’re moving in town or from across state borders, you can trust these guys to pack your belongings carefully and deliver them to your new home safe and sound. They also charge a fixed hourly rate as they unload, disassemble, and secure your belongings.

3. College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving

Operating since 2005, College Hunks is a household name in the moving industry. What started as a small part-time gig in D.C has now grown to 145 offices all across the U.S. Gaining nationwide rep, you can expect these movers to stay professional, friendly, and of course, affordable. Unlike other moving companies, their packages are pretty extensive. On top of regular moving services, they also offer junk removal, storm recovery, seasonal cleanups, home staging, and many more! 

4. TROSA Moving

Want seasoned moving experts that do everything for you without breaking your bank? Look no further than TROSA Moving! These guys are dedicated to making your relocation smooth and easy. They provide a wide range of services, from basic packing and loading to more complex processes such as last-minute moves and furniture moving. It doesn’t matter if you’re moving within Durham or transitioning from out-of-state. TROSA Moving always has your back!

5. Ken’s Pack and Move

Relocating to Durham has never been easier with Ken’s Pack and Move! This family-owned business has been carefully moving families all across North Carolina for more than a decade! Need to move a piano? No problem! Want to store some extra furniture and luggage? Their storage facilities have got you covered! Don’t want to go broke after relocating? You can trust them to have the most reasonable rates in town!

Choosing the right moving company is one of the hardest parts of moving.

Conclusion

A successful move heavily relies on the plan and the people behind its execution. Make sure you do your research to hire a company that will satisfy your moving needs.