Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2372882)

I would add that "proof of insurance" is not just a simple letter from an insurance company. If you really want proof of insurance you need:

1. The name of the insurance company, policy number, and a point of contact
2. The policy premium paid and when does the policy expire?
3. The dollar limit of coverage
4. Can the homeowner file a claim against the policy for the contractor's wrongful actions, "independent" of the contractor?

If the policy is just a personal liability policy to protect the contractor, it is worthless to the homeowner. What good is an insurance policy if the contractor either refuses to file a claim or disappears?

Originally Posted by Haggar (Post 2373457)

It's called a certificate of insurance. You won't get the premium paid - it doesn't matter. You can get - if they will do it - you named as additional insured. Point of contact won't be shown. Get a certificate that shows both the General Liability policy and the Workes Comp policy.

Originally Posted by Pairadocs (Post 2372838)

Considering making some changes that involve different areas/rooms of the house. Wondering if it is more economical to go to a "one size fits all" source like a dr. remodel, or big box store planning department, or, to personally purchase each item or materials, and hire the trade needed to install ? To clarify a bit; do you end up paying a one stop shop for acting as general contractor, while at the same time having no control or choice over the workers sent to do the work ? Hopefully some will offer advice based on personal EXPERIENCE, not just what they would do. We already know it's probably easier to just turn it over to a business that acts as a general contractor, but is that also a huge risk since you have no control over the sub contractors work and no "come back" should it be shoddy ? Again to clarify, asking these things since a good friend has a kitchen remodel that resulted in a huge flooding of the kitchen and a great deal of damage even to walls, base boards, etc. The big box store stated the installers are NOT employees, they claimed they are only responsible for the materials they provided, no liability for work.
Thanks for sharing your experience. If you have used the one stop places, how much do you estimate (in percentage) you paid for this service ? 5%, 10% 15%, more ? ?

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2372936)

Whatever you end up doing, be sure it doesn't involve painting the walls BEIGE. No shade of beige. Not sand, not tan, not cream, none of that. Just don't do it. It is a dreary color, it makes the room seem dark and dingy. The stain of tar from cigarette smokers turns windows and walls beige. Go with a non-yellow shade - something in the grey or bluish-white, or even a greenish-white color. As Monk always said, "you'll thank me for that later."

Originally Posted by barbara828 (Post 2373560)

Grey is now ' out '. Beige is , thankfully, back.