Protect yourself - hiring a contractor
Basic guidelines for Homeowners who are looking to
hire any Professionals / Contractors or Skilled Serivces.
Ask -
Other Skilled workers, those who have worked with you before will help you find
a another skilled qualified company to for your project. This will help you avoid
alot of the common problems.
Plan -
If you have a clear plan; you will be less likely to encounter cost overruns.
Check -
to see if the person/company is registered.
Check -
the Better Business Bureau. www.bbb.org
Check -
the references given to you by the company.
Disclosure Statement
- Get one before any work starts.
Permits - Make sure ALL permits have been picked up.
Keep Records!
Printable
check list for hiring a contractor.
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Where to complain.
Federal Trade Commission
National Association of Home Builders Remodelors™ Council:
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Warning signs of a scam.
Provides credentials/refernces that can't be verified.
Uses high-pressure sales techniques.
Only accepts cash.
Requires a large deposit/all money before working.
Will not give you a written contract
Asks you to get the building permits.
Offers of exceptionally long warrantees.
Wants to work only weekends or nights.
if it "sounds to good to be true."
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LOOK OUT!
- for Less Reputable
Contractors
solicit door to door.
offer you discounts for finding them other customers.
happens to have materials left from a previous job.
does not have a listing in the local phone directory
tells you your job will be a "demonstration".
suggests you borrow the money need from a lender the contractor knows.
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