Talk with some of contractor's former customers and ask:

Can I visit your home to see completed job?

Were you satisfied with project?

Was it completed on time? Did workers show up on time?

Did they clean up after finishing job?

Would you recommend contractor? Would you use contractor again?

You should not start any project without having a contact in place. A contract spells out the, who, what, where, when and cost of your project. The agreement should be clear, concise and complete. Before you sign a contract, make sure it contains:

The contractor's name, address, phone nubmer

The payment schedule for contractor

An estimated start and completion date

How change orders will be handled

A detailed list of all materials

Warranties covering materials and workmanship

What contractor will and will not do

Keep all paperwork related to your project in one place. This includes copies of contract, change orders and correspondence with your home improvement professionals. You also might want to take photographs as job progresses. These records are especially important if you have problems with your project — during or after construction.

Before you sign off and make final payment check that:

All work meets standards spelled out in contract. You have written warranties for materials and workmanship.

The job site has been cleaned up and cleared of excess materials, tools and equipment.

You have inspected and approved completed work.

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These little whirling dervishes of vacuum world can even deal with obstacles such as stairs, thresholds, and transitions between different flooring materials. When it encounters top of a staircase it will come right to edge, stop for a few seconds, make a reverse turn, and go off in another direction.

Since purchasing a robot vacuum cleaner I have gone from vacuuming once a week to every couple of days. The results of increased cleaning frequency are quite visible. This little machine has put shine back into my carpets.

The only disadvantages I have found are minor. For instance, dust storage bin is small. The bin should be emptied after every few uses to prevent it from becoming full. Also power brush can become clogged with small bits of debris. This is easily corrected though by disassembling brush and cleaning bristles. Roomba even provides a special comb for this job. It works quite well.

So, if like me you hate thought of getting out vacuum and pushing it around room, then consider a robot vacuum cleaner to help you with this chore.

Ladies, do you know statistics show that 85% of household chores are done by women. So, if you ever want to get a man to “do” (initiate may be a better term) vacuuming then perhaps consider introducing him to a robot vacuum cleaner. The first few times I used mine I sat for hours watching it operate. I was utterly fascinated by how it traversed labyrinth of my main floor living areas. To extent that I could hardly wait for it to recharge so that I could start it up again.

Here is an interesting idea. Since all men like gadgets, “ Why not get Dad one for fathers day ”. That way he won’t have any excuse for not being involved with vacuuming. Besides, It will pay him back for toaster he got you for your birthday last year.

* Electrolux is a registered trademarks of AB Electrolux of Sweden * Roomba is a registered trademark of iRobot