1. Research the company’s history. How long have they been in business? Have you heard of them before? Ask your friends and neighbors. What kind of reputation do they have? If they have a website, make sure to check it out.
2. Verify the salesperson actually works for the company. Does he/she come across as extremely competent and knowledgeable of the products and service they provide?
3. The salesperson should be willing provide you with a no obligation free estimate. Salespeople from reputable contractors are low pressure as their superior reputation and products sell themselves.
4. Visit some other jobs the company has done. Is the salesperson willing to provide you with a list of jobs they have completed in your area? The best contractors aren’t afraid to show off their work.
5. Make sure that the estimate is very detailed and includes everything. You should know exactly what you are paying for. Many un-reputable contractors will quote you a low price in order to get the sale only to ding you later with extra charges via change orders.
6. Do not select a contractor based on price alone. The quality of the products, workmanship, and service can vary considerably from contractor to contractor.
Remember this is your home and you will have to live with your decision for years to come.
7. Make sure to ask for who supplies their materials. Reputable contractors are proud to tell you about the high quality suppliers they associate with.
8. Finalize the contract before starting on a project A good contract…
• Should be written on company letterhead.
• Should contain the company’s name, address, phone numbers, and license number (if applicable).
• Should contain the consumer’s name, address (where work is to be performed), and phone numbers.
• Is dated when it is written.
• Includes a detailed description of the work that is going to be performed.
• Provides a Warranty
• Provides a payment schedule.
• Includes a termination clause.
• Clearly states whether permits will be pulled, and who will be responsible for pulling them.
10. Make payments to the company that was referred. Do not pay an individual.
11. Avoid paying with cash. Check and credit cards are preferable, and be sure to get a receipt for all payments. Don’t pay in full until the project is completely finished and you have completed your final inspection.
12. If subcontractors were used, make sure to get signed releases from all subcontractors clearly indicating that they have been paid in full by the general contractor.
13. For larger projects, don’t make the final payment until you have passed the final building inspection.
14. Don’t advance money for materials.
15. Check multiple references .
16. Document all changes to the contract.
17. Make sure all changes to the original contact, no matter how small, are documented and signed off by both parties.