5 TIPS TO SPOT A SHADY CONTRACTOR
5 TIPS TO SPOT A SHADY CONTRACTOR
There are a lot of contractors out there. Many of which are highly qualified and honest individuals. However, every industry has its bad apples.
In this article, we'd like to lend you our expertise and go over some ways to differentiate the good from the bad.
Here are some 5 simple tips to spot a shady contractor.
1. They Ask For All the Money Up Front
Don't get me wrong, sometimes paying up front is completely safe.
For service calls or minor repairs, it's common.
However, if a project is over $2000 and the contractor demands that you pay the full cost up front, you'd be right to do some serious investigation before handing over your hard earned money.
2. They Refuse to Pull Permits
Not all projects require permits, but most major projects do.
When making major changes to electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc., the cost of permits is the cost of completely the project the safe and correct way.
When a contractor seems as though they're avoiding it, it's important to know why.
Are they licensed and capable of doing the work the right way, or are they setting you up for some major code violations and safety risks in the future?
Better safe than sorry.
3. They Don't Ask for Specifics
Contractors who plan on completing your job will need certain information to do so.
If the contractor doesn't bring a tape measure to bid a job that requires measurements, that may be a problem.
If they don't ask who is supplying materials, that may be problem.
A thorough estimator on your walkthrough is more likely to be a reliable contractor for your project.
4. They're Difficult to Trace
Contractors who have been in the industry for a long time can prove it.
Make sure you have a way to verify the contractor's identity.
Some simple ways to do this are…
a. Ask for a business card
b. Look for company information on their clothing or vehicle
c. Ask if they have a website. If so, look at their reviews.
d. Ask them for references AND pictures of their work
e. Look them up on Google to see what reviews other people have left
5. They Seem Too Good to Be True
When something seems to could to be true, it usually is.
When every other contractor is booked out for 3 to 6 months, but you found a guy who is available next week for half the price, RUN!!!
There's a saying in the industry.
"The only thing more expensive than a high-priced contractor, is a low-priced contractor."
When a contractor is available too soon and their price is too good, it's important to know why.
Repairs usually cost more than doing it the right way the first time.
Remodeling a space with the right contractor will be a positive experience.
The correct knowledge and preparation will put you one step closer to selecting the right crew for your project.
Good luck on your journey!
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