How to Avoid Bad Contractors
If you are in the market for a contractor that can remodel your home, normally you will do your due diligence and done a background or online check of the candidates for the job so you know who is best fitted to do it. Regardless of whom you talk to, the most important thing that the contract would want you to do is sign on the dotted line. Chances are, he will not mention anything that might hinder that from happening. To protect yourself here are some important secrets they do not want you to know.
He is Not the Best Choice
Even if you have done your background checks and believe he is the right one for the job do not hire him just yet. According to additional remodeling specialists, you should at least get three bids from different contractors prior to awarding any home improvement project. This is the best way to properly make an educated decision, as you would be able to compare costs, materials methods and personalities.
He is Going to Farm out the Work
Many general contractors rarely do the physical work themselves as they have their own crews to do the work for them. Their main role really is to get clients to sign up, manage budgets and schedule subcontractors. If you want to ensure that he is going to perform the work himself you can inquire whether he will be the one in charge of the job site. Look for the foreman to determine who really is in charge of the work.
Large Deposits are Not Mandatory
Upon signing the contract you usually expect to pay a deposit of some kind. If the contractor’s business is financially stable and he has a good relationship with his suppliers then he should not be demanding a lot of money upfront. According to custom home remodeler experts, a small deposit is reasonable in order to show good faith for the project. However, the payment plans should be founded upon the work that is completed.
If possible, the FTC recommends paying via credit card for any home improvement work done in order to protect you in case the project goes bad. After attempting to fix any issues with the contractor, you as the consumer has the right to withhold payments up to the amount of credit outstanding for the purchase.