I met with a Client this week to help her prepare her home for sale.
One issue she has is her bath area. It's a beautiful bathroom, but the ceramic tile is not completely installed and she's missing a shower head. Turns out, she hired someone to do the work and they ended up doing half the job and never returning.
We've all heard stories about Contractors leaving people high and dry like this. But, being a licensed General Contractor myself, it's so disappointing to hear! Good business is built on being reputable and honest.
So here are some ways to protect yourself:
- Plan your project. Regardless of the type or size of project, if you plan what you want done, you will be able to describe the project in detail. The benefit is that you´ll get estimates that meet your requirements and reduce the possibility of cost overruns. It also ensures that you´ll be comparing apples to apples.
- Check the contractor. Obtain copies of his license, as well as liability and worker´s comp insurance. Call your state contractor´s board to make sure his license is in good standing. Check with the contractor´s board and the Better Business Bureau to make sure there are no outstanding complaints or suits against him. Check the term of the insurance. If the insurance term is due to expire during your project, get proof that the insurance has been continued.
- Obtain and check references with names, addresses, and phone numbers.
- Ask how cost over runs, clean up, and unexpected problems are handled. If something is damaged during construction, for example, the contractor should have a plan in place to make repairs or replacements.
- Be wary of any contractor who asks you to pick up permits, fails to answer questions about the work, its progress, the contract, or fails to provide a complete list of subcontractors with names and licenses. You need to know exactly who is on your job, and that they are licensed and insured. It´s not uncommon for some contractors to subcontract work then not pay the sub. The subcontractor then files a “mechanic´s lien” against you. Effectively, you pay twice for the same work.
- Ask the contractor for a lien release.
- Make frequent inspections of the work in progress. |
- Be sure all permits have been obtained and that inspections are in order.
The vast majority of home contractors are hardworking, honest, reputable small-business owners who work hard to make sure that they do high quality work, use good materials, and provide solid value at a reasonable cost. They are dedicated to your satisfaction and sincerely want to earn your business. So be cautious when you search out a Contractor and when you find one that's good, recommend them to your Friends!
