TRENDING: Shielding your project from hidden agendas.

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The best person for the job may not be who you think.

Choose a contractor with experience and photos of their work. Get 3 references and tight estimates of costs and time. You may need a licensed plumber or electrician or you may just need a handyman.

There are a number of contractors in the remodeling and rebuild trades. How do you know which one to choose based on skills and costs? Licensed contractors will cost more but may be who your project requires. A handyman will be at the lower end of hourly fees and are knowledgeable and skilled in a broad range of areas.

They should all have prior experience and references to their completed work. Second, they ought to be able to provide three references for you. Thirdly, they ought to be able to accurately estimate your time and costs.

A general contractor is needed to oversee and direct the various skill areas on large projects. Similar to a remodeler, but with specialized skills in renovations of bathrooms, fences, and windows. A handyman is needed for jobs like repairing drywall, replacing doors and cabinets, installing fans, and fixing fascia boards and damaged soffits outside.

If you are in doubt, hire a handyman to see which items they can work on and which ones you need a specialized contractor.

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