Q & A: Contractor to the Stars, Stephen Fanuka

Stephen Fanuka is what most clients envision a contractor to be -- thoughtful, fair, and really, really good at what he does. It's no wonder then that he's risen to the top of his game -- managing six projects at a time, starring on NBC's Open House to the Rescue, and still managing to answer emails at a warp speed on his Blackberry.

So what does it take to make the best contractor/client relationship? Fanuka answers our questions:

What is the primary thing to look for in a contractor?
First, always get more than one quote. Even if you meet someone and love them. Shop around. Secondly, make sure they're licensed. Check with your local Department of Consumer Affairs or the Better Business Bureau. And check if they are insured and that the insurance is current. Ask to see a certificate. If the license expires while they are on the job, that means you are liable for any work done in your house during that period.

How fast do they respond to your phone call? If you call on Monday and they return the call on a Thursday, how are they going to respond to your calls once you really starting chasing them. Do they have an office, or are they working from home? It's okay to have an answering service, but bear in mind that means it's probably a smaller company with no secretary to deal with paperwork.

Once you find the right contractor, how much input should they have?
The first meeting is a bit like a first date -- you can tell if [the relationship] is going to go well. Do they respond to your ideas? Do they offer ideas? You want them to share the date with you, but you don't want them to rush you.

The next step is getting a proposal. How long should that take?
A week to 10 days. If it takes longer, it could be a sign that they're busy and could be expensive. Some other things to look for -- Is the proposal itemized and broken down? I like to do something I call "proposal buffets" where you can pick and choose things. That way you're all on the same page. And ask questions. The more detailed it is, the better. Is it one page or 15 pages? Are they competent? Do they really want the job? A proposal can tell you a lot.

Say you're not working with a contractor. What are some things you can do yourself?
The Internet and search engines are your friend. You can do almost anything on your own as long as you have the resolve. One thing I would tell you not to do is wire your home yourself. But replacing a switch, changing an outlet or a light fixture and going on the roof to replace a few loose tiles are all things you can do yourself.

What are some basic tools that everyone should have on hand?
A Phillips screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, pliers, a wrench and a standard hammer. I also love those pocket knives that have lots of tools in them. Other things that are good to have are a level, flashlight, a plunger, batteries of all types kept in the refrigerator (because it preserves them), a ruler and measuring tape.

What can a client do to make sure the relationship goes well?
A weekly site meeting is something I recommend with the contractor taking minutes of the meeting. All the items that need to be addressed should be brought up and put on paper. That way, if there's a sink that needs to ordered, I'm reminded each week. Emails are great. Putting everything on paper for backup is great and good for client/contractor relationships.

What are some things clients should always do?
Always pay by check. Have a paper trail. And care about the person who is working in your house. You want to make them feel welcome. Don't be afraid to tell them they're doing a good job when they are. Or when they're doing something you don't like.

You brought up payment, how does that normally work?
The terms of payment and the schedule should be decided before work begins. Usually it's about four payments with the first being about 30 percent for materials and your biggest payment. And don't pay in full upfront even if you don't want to deal with it later. You should always hold about 10 to 15 percent a few weeks after the job is completed in case anything breaks. A licensed contractor is liable for a year after the work is done.

Any final advice?
Do your homework! Unfortunately, contractors aren't regulated enough in my opinion. It's so easy to get a license these days. You have to arm yourself with knowledge.