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| Home Contractors: How to Hire and Stay on Schedule |
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| 5-5-2006 |
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Issaquah, WA, Author: BBBVS
 Hiring a home contractor can be a difficult task, especially when you don't even know where to look. In an effort to address the number one inquired topic to the Better Business Bureau, the BBB Video Series has released a 45 minute video that will walk you through the steps of hiring a home contractor.
In order to choose a reputable contractor for any type of job, a consumer must take the time to research and screen contractors. Whether it be roofing contractors, moving contractors, remodeling contractors, concrete contractors, or general contractors its just as important to check their credentials.
Contracting licenses are a dime a dozen. Check with your state contracting requirements before you base the contractor's validity on just that license. The best way to screen a contractor is to speak with former clients and get their opinion of their work and price. Sometimes its better to spend a little extra on a reputable contractor to avoid the pain of dealing with the mess that a not so reputable contractor may bring.
Things to look for:
- Does not list a business phone number in the local directory: This can be a red flag indicating that the contractor does not have an established business presence in-state. Or, that he perhaps relies on a home answering machine to "screen" customer calls.
- Pressures you for an immediate decision: A reputable professional will recognize that you need time to consider many factors when deciding which contractor to hire. You will want to check references; look into the contractor's standard of work and his professional designations and affiliations; verify his insurance; check to see if he needs a license (and if so, that it is valid); get written estimates from several firms based on identical project specifications, and, contact the Better Business Bureau and local consumer protection agency to see if they have information.
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Asks you to pay for the entire job up-front or demands only cash: Whatever the reason, never pay for the entire project upfront. Payments should be by credit card of check so that your credit card statement or cancelled check can provide proof of payment, if needed. Do not pay anything until after the first day of work, and then pay up to one-third. Make additional payments during the project contingent upon completion of a defined amount of work. Do not make the final payment or sign an affidavit of final release until you are satisfied with the work and have proof that the subcontractors and suppliers have been paid.
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Suggests you borrow from a particular lender: Do not agree to financing through your contractor or someone he suggests. Many people have been ripped off when they agreed to use the suggested lender; sign a lot of papers in a rush; and find out later that they had agreed to a home equity loan with a very high rate, points and fees. Secure financing on your own by shopping around and comparing loan terms.
Copyright 2006. BBBVS. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the expressed written consent of the author. |
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