Ken writes:
>What I think works best is for the seeker to start from a listing, however
it
is compiled, to get names and then to narrow the search down to
word-of-mouth, peer and customer references, and looking at completed work.<
I have always found the most useful directories are those that include some
" editorial content" that tells me how to use the information, and that
provide some insight into the field the directory covers, for example, like
Ken's description of how and why the Blue Book is used in NYC.
In my consulting practice I often make referals, which really are like
little highly focused directories. Early on I began providing tips on how to
use my referals. These tips developed into the following guideline as I
included items based on referal problems that developed over the years. As I
look at this now I see that it is becoming quite long, probably developing
into an article on the topic.
I think every directory should include this sort of guidance for its users.
****
Referrals from John Leeke, Preservation Consultant
Do not use these referrals without following the guidelines below. A
listing here does not imply any endorsement or assurance of success.
A. List on paper all the issues about the project that are important to
you.
B. Describe what you want to have done on one sheet of paper that you
can
hand to prospective contractors or professionals (architects,
consultants,
engineers, etc.).
C. Talk with enough prospective contractors or professionals for any
particular piece of work or project to select at least three and ask
them for
at least three references to include a contact persons, project
descriptions and
locations. For projects over $1,000. get at least five references. For
projects over $20,000. get at least ten references. Talk with all
references and check with third parties such as the Better Business
Bureau,
building codes enforcement officers, local and state historic
preservation
officers and county court clerks.
D. Ask all three to visit the site and to give you a proposal. Work
with
each one to refine the proposals to match exactly what you want, and
ask
them to give you a revised proposal. This gives you a fully developed
choice. Pick the best based on the following selection criteria: (Give
more
weight to 1., less to 2., etc.)
1. Responsiveness to your need
2. Ability to do the work
3. Ability to do business
4. Price
5. Your "gut" feeling
Always thank in writing the contractors who were not selected. You want
them to feel good about you because you want to be able to re-consider
them as alternate contractors.
D. Always have the selected contractor demonstrate his/her ability with
a
preliminary "Work Sample." This is a small piece of work to be done
under
separate contract, to demonstrate their ability to do business, ability
to
do the work to your satisfaction, and how well you "get along." The
scope
is limited (say, 1 window of 20 to be repaired, or a 10'-20' wide,
foundation to eaves exterior section of a house to be painted). You
will
have to pay for the work sample, usually at a higher rate per unit than
if
the whole project is done at once.
E. When the work sample is complete, decide whether or not to have this
contractor do the rest of the project. If not, then have one of the
alternate contractors do a work sample, and proceed as above.
Does this sound like a lot of work? Yes, it is a lot of work to get the
right people on your project in the beginning. If you happen to get the
wrong people on your project you will put in at least this much work
recovering from the problems you have created by selecting them.
Copyright 1982-2002 John C. Leeke
****
John Leeke, Preservation Consultant
mail: 26 Higgins St., Portland, ME, 04013, USA
Phone: 01-207-773-2306
email: [log in to unmask]
website: www.HistoricHomeWorks.com
--
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uncoffee-ed, or to change your settings, go to:
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