A Consumer Guide to Choosing a Home Repair or Remodeling Contractor
As the Winter Season comes to an end and tax refunds begin coming in, many may start contemplating investing in home repairs or remodeling. There are literally thousands of home repair companies out there, and it can be a daunting task narrowing it down to just a few. The following guide will help you ensure that only the best, most qualified individuals go to work in your home.
Homeowners can save considerable time and money by finding one competent handyman who can do many different projects rather than hiring one person for each individual job. The big question is how to find that craftsman who is competent, qualified, trustworthy, honest…and still available for your projects.
Surveys of homeowners have identified the issues that homeowners are most concerned about. At the top of the list is…
How do I make sure the job gets done right the first time?
Since anyone with a tool box and a pick up truck can call themselves a handyman, how do you know who is good without being an expert yourself? Good craftsmen will cleanup after themselves each day, understand and be trained in how to handle any hazardous materials and use the proper techniques for all repairs or remodeling jobs. Always verify that your handyman is a member of the Better Business Bureau and check their record. The BBB field numerous complaints from customers who don’t return for necessary repairs or leave your house a mess.
How can I be sure they can do the work I need?
When looking for a home repair or improvement provider, make sure they have experience performing the tasks you need done. Anyone you call should be able to show you written documentation that they have the qualifications and experience to do the repair or remodel you need.
How do I know they will arrive on time and not cause me to wait around all day for them to show up?
Ask for an on-time guarantee. As a general rule, contractors run late – sometimes a lot late. Using a reputable contractor helps to alleviate wasted time on your part. A good company will offer a system which takes into account your project needs, estimates the time and budget, and recommends the most qualified craftsman for your project. Look for a company that offers an on-time guarantee.
How do I know I’m getting a good price and my final bill won’t exceed the quote?
The National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators’ most recent consumer survey said the home improvement industry received the highest number of complaints nationwide. Many of the consumer complaints are about overcharging.
Don’t ever hire someone who comes in your door offering you a “deal” because they had a job cancellation or available time in their schedule they need to fill. They could be an operation that gets an up front deposit and then disappears. Always get a written quote on company letterhead specifying exactly what will get done. Get a written guarantee of performance and a guarantee the final price will not exceed the quote.
How do I know your craftsman won’t be rude, make a mess or have an appearance that could scare my wife or kids?
The home improvement industry has had difficulties in the past with drug and alcohol abuse. To keep costs down, some companies do not perform any substance screening on potential employees. As you interview companies, it is critical to be assured that background screening for employees is in place. A reputable company will only send craftsmen to your home who are professionally dressed, background screened, and trained to be qualified for the work you need completed.
How will you communicate with me? How can I get in touch with you and how am I updated on the progress throughout my job?
Communication problems seem to permeate the home improvement industry. As you select the company for your projects, ask about innovations like mobile phone numbers to maintain contact during your job. Surveys show that 67% of the time callers get voice mail from companies with a typical return call 18 hours later. The company that answers the phone in person and returns your call the same day is the gold standard.
Do you have a guarantee?
A guarantee only stands up if you have it in writing. Get your project protection by asking for this guarantee. If changes to the original work order occur, ask for a written change order to approve before proceeding. Assure that the company has a one-year guarantee where they will come back and fix problems. Don’t pay in advance for work – always be completely satisfied when the job is done and you pay the bill.
Are you available when I need you?
Some home improvement companies require a long lead-time in order to schedule their craftsmen. These same companies often charge a two-hour minimum to come out to preview a job. Make your selection carefully…a long wait doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the best service. Find that company that will charge a time plus materials concept and schedule your project promptly.
Is there anything else I should know?
Hiring someone to work in your home can bring legal issues to the forefront. Be sure the company you hire has a current business license and contractor license if your state requires it.
A legitimate contractor will be able to show you their current workman’s compensations policy, their liability insurance and a dishonesty bond that covers you if someone steals anything from your home. If you hire an un-insured contractor and he/she gets injured while working on your property, you can be responsible to pay for medical and possible rehabilitation expenses – and you can be sued. Use that ounce of prevention and be confident in the company you choose.
Ask for letters of reference from bank and suppliers to prove that bills are paid and they are in good standing.
Ask for letters of reference from customers that you can contact. Ask to see their written safety program and determine whether they follow safe work practices.
Each time you hire a home improvement contractor you are inviting a stranger into your home and family. By taking the time to feel confident in your contractor, you will be rewarded with superior standards and work ethics. There are outstanding craftsmen available to tackle all your improvement and remodeling requests. Your home is a major investment and the safety of your family invaluable. Hire the company that takes your project seriously and conscientiously.
Handyman Matters of Boulder County 