DECREASE YOUR ODDS OF BEING BAMBOOZLED BY A CONTRACTOR:
1. LOCAL CRIMINAL AND CIVIL CASE HISTORY SEARCH: It is usually free at your county court house. Their past is a good indication of what you can expect.
2. THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU and other agencies that people rely on for a reference often won't disclose complaints. These agencies usually have a programmed response of "That company is in good standing with no complaints". Especially if a lien or legal action has been filed.
3. DON'T CHECK REFERENCES GIVEN BY THE CONTRACTOR: Instead get names of other jobs from the permits at the building dept. Only contact the jobs that are not on the builder's approved list.
4 DON'T SIGN CONTRACTOR'S VAGUE CONTRACT: Add page after page of addendums to get every last detail included. Get him to sign every page. Work that is not included in the written contract will be called an extra later. He can either refuse to do the work or do it and later claim that it was a "change order" and back charge what ever he wants!
5. CHANGE ORDERS, UPGRADES & EXTRAS: Make sure that the written contract states that these must be approved by the customer in writing for the contractor to collect payment. Too often the contractor will claim that things are "verbal change orders when he earlier stated verbally that it was included. Watch out for this common trap!!
6. CORRECTIONS, FREEBIES, TRADEOFFS & INCENTIVES: All need to be in writing so that builder can't claim later that they were a "verbal change order" and back charge an exhorbitant amount.
7. INSPECTIONS: Be a constant presence on the site to ensure quality control. They won't like it, but it is your money. If you don't like something speak up!
8. HAVE A CLEAR PAYMENT SCHEDULE IN PLACE WITH NO EXCEPTIONS: Some builders have no shame and will keep coming to you with their hand out. If you give in once, I guarantee it is like feeding a stray dog. I guarantee you he will return for more!
9. HOMEOWNERS DO NOT have to put up with intimidation, threats or violence. Have grounds for dismissal addressed in the contract.
10. CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION ATTORNEY: Consult with an attorney before you sign your contract as he will add protective clauses. He will be your best defense if problems arise.
PLEASE SEND IN YOUR IDEAS & COMMENTS ON THIS SUBJECT AS PEOPLE HIRING CONTRACTORS NEED ALL THE HELP THEY CAN GET!!
Read Next Complaint >>
