Depending on where you are located and how much free time you have this task can range from easy to extremely difficult. In this article we are going to provide tips that you can use to simplify the process and ensure a good outcome.

Finding a contractor

To find a good contractor to complete the repairs to your fire damaged house you can take advantage of several free resources that are available to you.

For one thing, you can conduct extensive searches online. The contractor may have a website and there may also be websites for your area that contain contractor reviews and ratings.

Search everything – when it comes to successfully repairing a fire damaged house your selection of the right contractor is critical.

Talk to your insurance agent

Another option you have is to talk to your insurance agent. He or she may be familiar with contractors in your area and may be able to recommend some for you to interview.

However, don’t just go with an agent’s recommendation. You should still do your due diligence and interview the contractor or contractors that were recommended. A contractor that has worked for others in the past may not be the right choice for you now due to a number of factors such as work style and the number and type of jobs they have on their plate.

Get bids from multiple contractors

When it comes to selecting a contractor for repairing a fire damaged house, you should choose at least three candidates and have each of them inspect your property and complete a bid.

This bid will be a written proposal listing the contractor’s fees for renovating your fire damaged house. Each bid should include an item-by-item listing of what the contractor plans to charge for materials and labor for each repair.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate

Many people do not like to negotiate but doing so could end up saving you money – if you need to save money in your particular situation.

If you do need to negotiate a better deal, you can learn how much materials cost to renovate a property by spending time at your local home improvement store or by doing research online.

Becoming familiar with the costs for each repair can help you prevent being overcharged.

What to do after you receive contractor bids

Sit down with each contractor and review each part of the bid price by price. If you think a bid is inflated, you can ask the contractor to further explain the price breakdown for materials and labor for each item.

Do not be afraid to negotiate if necessary. Just remind the contractor that you are accepting bids from two other contractors and you would like him or her to give you their best possible price.

Once you have thoroughly reviewed and discussed the bids, you can select the contractor – the best bid wins.

Always have the contractor sign a contract

When it comes to hiring a contractor for repairing a fire damaged house you should plan on having that contractor sign a contract.

This document is a binding legal agreement where you agree to pay the contractor for agreed work within a specific timeframe.

The contract gives both you and the contractor a crystal clear understanding of the expectations on both sides. It specifies in writing the work that the contractor must do and the amount you must pay for that work.

In addition, the contract also protects you and your money if the contractor fails to complete the agreed-upon work.

What should be in the contract?

Most of the time, the contractor prepares the contract and presents it to you to review. Although this releases you from the burden of preparing a contract, it is crucial that you understand the contents of the contract.

The contract should contain all of the following information:

• Who is entering the contract
• When the contract begins and ends
• Where the renovations/repairs are to take place
• The scope of the work involved
• How the contract is to be enforced
• Signatures to validate the contract

Here are some tips for working with contractors

Avoid conflicts

Encourage your contractor to call you any time a problem or misunderstanding arises. Make sure your contractor has your cell phone number and email address. Return his communications quickly and be courteous so you can resolve any problems immediately.

Never assume

Ensure you and your contractor clearly understand each other before signing the contract. Never assume that things are just going to proceed smoothly. Being prepared is better, as problems often occur in life. What often separates successful people from unsuccessful ones is that the successful people prepare for problems before they occur. Thus, including more details in your contract increases the chance of completing your property on time with fewer problems.

Be hands on

You should know the status of the renovation project every day. That means visiting the property and talking with the contractor about what is complete and what is still unfinished. A hands-on approach like this ensures timely, budget-friendly repairs without surprises.

Want to avoid the stressful repair process all together?

One way to avoid working going through the often frustrating process of choosing a contractor and then dealing with all the frustrations that typically come with a home repair project is to sell your fire-damaged house “as is” to We Buy Fire Damaged Houses.

We are known for providing owners of fire damaged houses with great prices for their property. Plus, we pay all cash so that you get your money quickly and can move on with your life.

Many owners of fire damaged houses take our purchase money and combine it with their insurance settlement to buy an even nicer house in a nicer area.

To learn much more about We Buy Fire Damaged Houses and to receive a free, no obligation quote for your fire damaged house – complete the short form at the bottom of this web page.