What To Watch Out For

No matter what the size of your home improvement project, your goal is to hire the
"right contractor" for the job. You certainly don't want to end up with a contractor that hardly shows up while the project is far from done, does shoddy work, or worse--get scammed out of
a lot of money by a bad contractor.

Fortunately, only a small percentage of contractors are that unscrupulous. You just want to stay away from those kinds of contractors! That's why being cautious is wise.

So before you let a total stranger come in and tear down your walls and make your once neat and peaceful home a construction site, there are things you should keep in mind to help you make a prudent decision. Most importantly, protect yourself!

------------------------------------------------------

Never Hire a Contractor That Does This

• Lied about having a valid contractor's license for the type of work to be done, or has an expired license.

• Refuses to provide referrals. A legitimate contractor is always happy to name satisfied customers (with their permission, of course).

• Won't give you an established street address where they conduct business (a P.O. Box isn't good enough).

• Promises you anything at any price. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Demands full payment upfront or wants you to pay cash.

• Intentionally low bids his legitimate competitors.

• Gives vague estimates without spelling out the specific work to be completed--this could cost you money.

• Pressures you to sign a contract today by using scare tactics ("limited-time offer").

• Asks you to obtain the necessary permits (it could mean the contractor is in bad standing with the local building department).

• Say they can save you money by using leftover materials from a previous job.

• Refuses to provide a written guarantee. Verbal guarantees are worthless.
  
  
  Find Residential Contractors