Supposedly I'm an Independent Contractor. But I never signed a contract. [more inside]
posted by SoftSummerBreeze on Jul 18, 2009 - 17 answers

Please recommend resources for learning about home remodeling, particularly basement finishing. [more inside]
posted by medusa on Apr 30, 2009 - 3 answers

Does anyone have any recommendations for contractors in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area? I have bought a house in PG county MD which needs a complete renovation, and I need reliable contractors ASAP. All recommendations would be appreciated.
posted by gogomickey on Apr 15, 2009 - 4 answers

I'd like to hire some designers/copywriters as contractors, how do I handle stuff like "comps" for my clients? Also, is it a common practice to tell the contractor that they will get paid when I get paid by the client? I have some more questions inside. These are partly business process questions and partly "contractor etiquette" questions. [more inside]
posted by sideshow on Mar 23, 2009 - 16 answers

The company I work for is interested in doing more with video clips in multimedia/video sales pieces (for tradeshows and sales visits) as well as smaller Flash web pieces for our company site. To that end, one of our marketing managers is starting to talk to video production houses in our area about doing some shoots to give us stock video footage to use in our marketing campaigns. What are the questions you would ask when talking to such outfits you're thinking about hiring? What are the industry standards for video deliverables (file types and formats that can then be redeployed via Premier or Flash into a variety of media)? What red flags should we look for that indicate someone doesn't know what they're talking about and should not be contracted? Thanks!
posted by aught on Nov 10, 2008 - 6 answers

Seeking recommendations for a contractor to build a wood privacy fence in Portland, Oregon. Also would appreciate advice on hidden costs, things to avoid, contractors to avoid, etc. [more inside]
posted by J-Garr on Jun 11, 2008 - 7 answers

Steel or Vinyl Siding: Leaving the general offense to aesthetics of both out of the equation (mostly), which one is better in the Midwest. [more inside]
posted by quakerjono on Jun 2, 2008 - 5 answers

What kind of things do you need to ask a home remodeling contractor, like about liability insurance, bonding and all that? How do you approach this with them? Do you take their word for it or demand proof? [more inside]
posted by amfea on Feb 25, 2008 - 7 answers

Bathroom Renovation Filter: DIY vs. Contractor [more inside]
posted by Xurando on Feb 22, 2008 - 16 answers

About how many people, including contractors and their employees, are involved in building the space shuttle? [more inside]
posted by np312 on Jan 25, 2008 - 7 answers

I'm a one-person website development company. Things have been getting busy lately so I'm thinking about hiring my first part-time employee. This is new to me, so I'm looking for some advice. [more inside]
posted by jpep on Sep 14, 2007 - 11 answers

The end is near. Now, how do we expedite it? I'm talking about a house renovation, and a contractor who is trying to shake more money out of our pockets at the 11th hour. What would you pay for, knowing that this guy can make our lives a living hell with a mechanical lien or litigation. More inside ... [more inside]
posted by terrier319 on Aug 16, 2007 - 7 answers

I want to retrofit my early-60's rambler so it's less likely to kill me during an earthquake (and so I can get earthquake insurance). Any recommendations for companies or contractors in the Seattle area?
posted by The corpse in the library on Oct 18, 2006 - 4 answers

Does anyone have recommendations for a company to replace windows in Washington, D.C.? I've got a few original, uninsulated, leaded-glass windows that need to go bye-bye. [more inside]
posted by delfuego on Apr 4, 2006 - 4 answers

I can't seem to find a roofer who is interested in working on my house, but there is water pouring through my kitchen ceiling! [more inside]
posted by anastasiav on Dec 6, 2005 - 27 answers

Contracting with your neighbor -- wise or unwise? We are shopping around a major home improvement job. On the list of contractors is our next-door neighbor and friend, who has recently taken up contracting as a second career after years of doing completely different work. He seems capable enough (he did over his own house beautifully) but something tells me that giving the job to him is not a wise move. I'm thinking about when the crap hits the fan -- as it always does with major jobs like this -- our friendship is doomed. Scratch him off the list or give it a shot?
posted by terrier319 on Aug 11, 2005 - 14 answers

How do you build a house? [+] [more inside]
posted by spacewrench on Feb 10, 2005 - 11 answers

TenantFilter: So I gave permission for the building manager to let a contractor into my apartment to do some fix up work. Not only does she not let him in personally, which is what I thought I okayed, but she leaves the key to another tenant to pass on to the contractor when he shows up. Am I overreacting in thinking that was way out of line? How do I go about responding to something like this? [more inside]
posted by ODiV on Jul 18, 2004 - 10 answers