Insurance
If an employee or other person is injured on your job or other damage is caused, you may not be protected unless the contractor has liability and workers compensation insurance. That's why all Diamond Certified qualified companies are required to prove they have both of these insurance coverages.

Warranty
When purchasing a service combined with parts or materials be certain to receive two separate warranty promises in writing from the company. One on workmanship and one on materials or parts.

Completion
For work that will take more than one day to complete, write on the contract how long it will take. If you are concerned about completion time, add 50% more time to the companies estimate and write in a penalty clause (i.e. 2% discount per late day) if they don't complete by that extended deadline.

Price
The lowest price is not always the best value. Comparison shop by quality vs. price. Discuss the exact process and materials each company will use and weight them according to the level of quality you need in the job.

Bid Process
If you are having a job completed that is in excess of $2,000 and has several potential work and material variables use the companies that are bidding to help educate you. Interview three companies with the intention of developing in writing some fixed specifications and requirements. Then, make sure that each company re-bids according to these final instructions.

Grouping Jobs
Reduce your costs by giving all of the work to one company at the same time. Remember if a company is already fixing a water heater at your home, it won't cost much more to clean a drain.

Home Shows in Your Area
Planning a home improvement project? Looking for a convenient way to compare products and services and get answers to your questions? How about going to a home show? That’s right. At a home show you have a rare opportunity to compare a huge collection of quality home products and services at one location.

When you’re visiting the home show, be sure to stop by and visit the Diamond Certified® companies that are participating. They are expert in their field and are there to answer your questions. In addition to browsing booths and looking at the latest solutions for your home improvement needs, keynote speakers and celebrities are also featured. They’ll discuss a variety of topics and offer ideas and inspiration for turning your home improvement dreams into reality. If you’re going to improve your home in the next year, “get out of the house” and go to a home show!

San Jose Home Show
San Jose Convention Center
April 25 - 27, 2008