10 Steps to Avoid Contractor Rip-Offs

   Learn how to separate the honest contractors from the contractors to avoid. Make sure to consider these 10 tips before hiring a home improvement contractor to work on your project.

1. Get referrals. Your local Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau, Building Departments will provide you with valuable good or bad information on a contractor you may choose.
2. Check credentials. DPR provides a web page dedicated to inspect the history of a contractors license. Florida requires contractors to have workers compensation insurance,liability insurance and credit checks all contractors to make sure they have good credit history.
3. Ask for Customers you may contact. Legitimate contractors have the ability to provide customers they have done work for to provide references.
4. Ask potential hires to document insurance. Ask any contractor you may hire to provide a current copy of Workers Compensation Insurance, current Liability Policy as well as a current copy of their state license.
5. Remember the subs. General contractors may hire others, called subcontractors, to work for them. If so, make sure they provide a lien waiver so if the subcontractor or material provider does not receive payment you are protected.
6. Get written contracts and estimates with details. Get bids from at least three reputable contractors. If prices differ widely, find out why. Don’t automatically choose the lowest price. You might wish you’d paid more later as contractor turnover is frequent and they may be gone when you need help.
7. Google your potential contractor. Make sure they don’t have a record of unsatisfied customers. The internet is a powerful tool for looking deeper into promises of a good reputation.
8. Read and understand warranty’s first. Don’t assume anything. Ask the contractor to provide written and material warranties in writing because many get surprised when labor or materials fail.
9. Don’t pay in full or more than 20% upfront. If a contractor asks for more than twenty percent, walk away. And whatever you do, don’t pay the final installment until the work is completed and inspected.
10. Always check for building permit. If the contractor you chose is legit, they will provide a building permit when needed. Make sure the permit is posted and this will give you a second layer of inspection. As building officials will make sure you project meets current building codes.
If you have questions please call me and I will be happy to help regardless if you are a customer!
Contact Jack 1-800-741-0068
www.jackhalljr.com