Tag Archive for: Contractor

Making The Most Of Your Home Warranty

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Advantages

There are several advantages that a home warranty can provide to a seller. First, a home warranty affords added peace of mind to potential buyers, as it assures them that major appliances and systems in the house are protected. This can make the home more appealing and increase its market value. What a home warranty cost a seller? On the surface, home warranty benefits for sellers are typically at lower cost, because of various limitations in coverage. Yet coverage is an affordable alternative for homeowners, who are looking for their home to stand out from the field of competition. A one-year policy for single-family properties is roughly $500-$600, but varies from company to company, and could include additional add-ons at the request of the homeowner. Usually, sellers have the ability to be covered while their home is listed, even if it’s for a limited time for minimal cost. Often the coverage will include a period of time while the home is on the market, but in a sense, the clock doesn’t start ticking until the buyer settles on the home. The homebuyer and seller can always negotiate prior to entering into an agreement, but if the listing was marketed as including a warranty for the buyer, the cost of the policy would usually be deducted from seller proceeds on the sale of their home. Though there is a cost to the seller, it generally isn’t an upfront cost, which is appealing to many who deploy this tactic. Additionally, as implied above, a warranty can act as a selling point, giving the seller a competitive edge in a crowded real estate market. It can demonstrate that the seller is confident in the condition of the home and is willing to stand behind it. Of course, in a seller’s market, warranties are seldom employed, because there’s less incentive to stand out from other listings when buyer activity is high. Yet, in these instances, home warranties can still play an active role. They give sellers more negotiating power and should anything break before the closing, there’s an added protection in place. By investing in a home warranty, the seller can avoid potential disputes or costly repairs that may arise during the transaction, ensuring a smoother ride for both parties. Overall, purchasing a warranty can be a smart move for sellers (albeit, it’s not for every situation) , providing an extra layer of protection and enhancing the attractiveness of their property.

Common Misconceptions

Here are a few myths about home warranties. One misconception is that a home warranty is the same as homeowners insurance. While both can provide protection for your home, they cover different things. Homeowners insurance typically covers damage from natural disasters, fire, theft and liability, while a home warranty covers the repair or replacement of major systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear. There’s a big distinction there, and one that should be made. Next, some have the idea that the cost of basic warranty coverage can be quite expensive, but most enrollment for a year is only a few hundred dollars depending on the square footage and location of the home. Always do your homework, check with various providers and get quotes in order to keep costs reasonably low. Another myth is that home warranties are unnecessary. Some homeowners may believe that their new appliances or systems won’t have issues, so they view the warranty as wasted money. However, even new items can develop unexpected problems (they’re called lemons), and a home warranty can provide peace of mind and financial protection. Furthermore, if you’re improperly using or not caring for your home’s systems or appliances, a warranty won’t do you much good. Homeowners are personally responsible for properly maintaining their systems and appliances. Any intentional damage caused to a system or appliance will not be covered. Any neglect shown to a home’s system or appliance will also meet the same fate. Additionally, some people wrongly assume that all repairs and replacements will be fully covered by a home warranty. It’s essential to understand the terms and conditions of your warranty, as there are often limitations, deductibles and exclusions. Finally, there is a misconception that home warranties are only valuable for older homes. While it’s true that older homes are more prone to issues with systems and appliances, a home warranty can benefit homes of any age. It’s important to separate fact from fiction when considering a warranty to ensure you make an informed decision.

Maximize Your Home Warranty

In order to get the most out of a home warranty you have to understand the coverage and limitations before making any claims. This includes knowing what is covered, the dollar limits, and any deductibles or service fees. This is a critical step and the reason we suggest that you understand your terms and conditions well. If a repair person needs to come to the property, you should have an understanding of what repairs are covered and an idea of what questions to ask the service technician. Obviously, you’ll also want to be on site when the repair tech arrives. Keep in mind that maintaining regular and proper maintenance of the home’s systems and appliances can increase the chances of a successful claim. Moreover, it’s important to keep documentation of any repairs or maintenance done on the covered items. Finally, homeowners should familiarize themselves with the claims process and promptly report any issues as soon as they arise. Being proactive and responsive when dealing with repairs can ensure a smooth and efficient resolution. If an appliance fails, best practice is to contact the warranty company directly and right away. Normally, it isn’t best to send for your own repair person, at least without first reporting it to your warranty provider. While you may be able to hire your own contractor or technician, and it doesn’t hurt to ask, often you’ll need to rely on the services of a repair person endorsed by the warranty provider. By maximizing knowledge and taking necessary steps at the appropriate times, homeowners can make the most of their home warranty and enjoy the benefits it provides.

For more information about home warranty coverage and to find a warranty that’s right for you and your home, click here.

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Decoding the Handyman Hiring Process: What You Need to Know

In the realm of home maintenance and improvement, finding a dependable handyman or contractor is akin to striking gold. Whether it’s a leaky faucet or a room in need of a fresh coat of paint, the right handyman can solve problems quickly and efficiently. So, how do you go about identifying this person who will be an asset to your home maintenance efforts? These eight essential steps serve as your roadmap for discovering the handyman who can proficiently deal with your home repair necessities.

Investigate Their Online Persona

Before you even consider hiring a handyman, it’s crucial to investigate their online reputation. Go beyond the first page of search results; dig deep into their social media accounts, check for news articles and look into forums. There’s a treasure trove of information out there and what you find could be the difference between hiring a reliable professional and wasting your money on subpar service.

Embrace Digital Organization

Before the hammer hits the nail, it’s essential to get your ducks in a row. Utilize digital tools to compile, organize and archive all essential documents related to your repair or renovation project. This organizational step helps prevent costly misunderstandings and delays. If you’re looking for a tool to combine your files, plenty of online resources can help you merge PDFs, images and text documents into one organized, easily searchable file.

Don’t Skip the Reference Check

Asking for references should never be an optional step. Reach out to their past clients to get first-hand reviews of the handyman’s work. This will offer you an unfiltered lens into what it’s like to work with them, from punctuality and communication skills to quality of work and cleanup etiquette.

Insist on a Written Financial Plan

Once you’ve done your preliminary research, make sure to ask the right questions (you can find some similar questions you can tailor to contractors in this post). Next, make sure you get a detailed quote in writing. This estimate should break down labor costs, material expenses and provide an approximate timeline for project completion. Not only does this document protect you from surprise charges, but it also serves as a reference point for both parties throughout the process.

Clarify the Timetable

A vague schedule can be the Achilles’ heel of any home improvement project, causing unnecessary delays and stress. To avoid this, insist on a well-defined timeline from your handyman that includes specific milestones and deadlines. A genuinely professional handyman should readily provide such a schedule, demonstrating their commitment to punctuality and efficiency. This approach not only keeps everyone on the same page, but also serves as a mechanism for accountability. By securing a detailed timetable, you pave the way for your project to progress smoothly, free from unwarranted hold-ups.

Cross-Check Credentials

Before any work commences, it’s essential to verify that your prospective handyman possesses all the required licenses and certifications. This not only assures you of their capability but also confirms that they comply with industry standards and legal mandates. These certifications serve as a benchmark, providing evidence of the handyman’s proficiency and expertise. Though Pennsylvania doesn’t have the best safety measures in place to protect customers, skipping this step could risk legal complications that may halt your improvement project.

Discuss Cleanup Services

Post-project cleanup should be a part of your agreement. A truly professional handyman will ensure the work site is as clean as it was before the project started. Clarify what the cleanup process entails, whether it’s removing debris, wiping down surfaces, or even restoring furniture to its original position.

Think Twice About Low Bids

While the allure of a cost-effective option is undoubtedly tempting, it’s crucial to proceed with caution. A lowball offer from contractors can be a red flag, signaling the use of inferior materials or a lack of professional experience. Employing corner-cutting techniques is another downside that may be hidden behind a low quote. Unfortunately, opting for such a low-cost solution could result in future expenses, including costly repairs or even a complete project redo.

 

Choosing the right handyman or contractor extends beyond simple considerations of cost or availability. It involves diligent research, open communication and a keen awareness of all the elements that contribute to a successful home improvement venture. By following these eight critical steps outlined above, you’re doing more than just securing a handyman’s services. You’re actively participating in an informed decision-making process that prioritizes quality and reliability. In essence, you’re making a calculated investment in both your home’s upkeep and its long-term value.

 

[This content is compliments of Fix It Dads.]

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