Community Corner

Getting Work Done? How to Choose the Right Contractor

Pick a reputable contractor with these tips from the Better Business Bureau.

With the warm weather finally here, many people are considering having work done on their homes.

The Better Business Bureau also offers a number of tips on avoiding construction scams and choosing the right contractor

Signs of a Possible Scam

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These indicators, while not necessarily deceptive in nature, point to potential problems and are red flags warning you to exercise caution.

Does the contractor:

• Solicit door-to-door?
• Just happen to have materials left over from a previous job?
• Only accept cash payments?
• Ask you to get the required building permits?
• Not list a business number in the local telephone directory?
• Tell you your job will be a “demonstration?”
• Pressure you for an immediate decision?
• Offer an exceptionally long guarantee?
• Ask you to pay for the entire job up front?
• Suggest that you borrow money from a lender he or she knows?

Tips for choosing and working with a contractor

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• Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers for referrals.
• Contact local trade organizations, such as the Home Builders Association to find contractors in your area.
• Ask the contractor for references of customers who had projects similar to yours. Contact each reference and inspect the work if possible.
• Get written estimates from several companies for identical project specifications.
• Always insist on a contract for work to be performed, with all guarantees, warranties and promises in writing.
• Agree on start and completion dates and have them written into the contract.
• Consider setting payment terms in conjunction with completed stages of the job.
• When the job is done, make sure it matches the terms of the contract.
• Do not pay for any work that is incomplete.

Ross Police have also issued repeated warnings about driveway resealing offers.

Do you have tips for avoiding construction scams? Tell us in the comment section below.

 

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