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Who Can Help Fix My Barn?When considering whether to hire a contractor to help you repair your barn, it is a good idea to solicit bids from at least three prospective contractors. The bids should be based on the same building specifications, materials, labor, and time needed to complete the project. Be sure to discuss the bids in detail with each contractor and be sure that you understand the reasons for any variations in price. Remember, the lowest bid is not always the best bid. One contractors bid might be higher because the materials to be used are of a better quality or because the work will be especially thorough and therefore, require more time and labor. Always ask for references and find out if these customers were satisfied with the contractors work. If possible, visit and inspect their completed projects. Find out if the contractor is a member of a professional association which has standards or a code of ethics and be sure to contact the Better Business Bureau in your area to find out how long the contractor has been in business and whether the contractor has been responsive to any complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau. Ask the contractor if he and his company are insured against claims covering worker's compensation, property damage, and personal liability in case of accidents. Be sure to call the insurance agency and insurance company to verify the contractors insurance coverage. Check with the state, county, or city authority to see if the contractor must meet certain licensing or bonding requirements in your area. If so, make sure your contractor is properly licensed and bonded. Lastly, never pay a contractor for the entire job in advance and avoid paying in cash whenever possible. The barn contractors listed below were referred to the Iowa Barn Foundation. There is no endorsement implied or intended for any contractor listed here.
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