How to Avoid Contractor Nightmare Blues

Buying a home but it needs some TLC. License contractors have to be screened or you could lose alot of money. How to avoid getting caught in a money pit.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Get license number
• Verify insurance
• See there work
• Get references

1. Interview contractors get there license number contact Home Improvement Commission to see if the license is active. Ask if the contractor has any complaints against them. Also contact the BBB to see if they have had any cases opened against them.

2. If a contractor wants money down for the project this is a red flag a good contracting company has there own finances. Make sure to read over any paperwork before it is signed. Always go to view the contractors work to verify that they can handle your project.

3. Have plans drawn up in stages so that you can keep abreast of which stage you are in and how long that it will take for the work to be completed. If the property is a total gut project make sure you go by every few days to check on the progress.

Tips & Warnings

• Never give cash for anything
• Get copies of insurance coverage and contractors license
• Verify the license information through Home Improvement
• Make sure the project is being completed in the time you set
• Always be in control of your project
• If there is a problem with a contractor contact the Home Improvement Commission

[FETUP]

on 8/14/2008 Well, it looks like my post was too long. Unfortunately, it has been over 10 days, the guys left a pile of debris in my yard which caused me to have to clean up after them so my lawn guy could mow. Anyway, the guys came by and took their supplies and equipment and left. The contractor took my money and has not come by to discuss anything. AHHHHH Verify everything.

[FETUP]

on 8/14/2008 I just recently hired a company to repair what I thought was "minor" wood rot on the exterior trim of my home. The contractor stated she was a member of the BBB and a A licensed contractor. I did as anyone would do and verified the information. Her company passed. The following day the contractor came over and met a sub-contractor to bid the project. The estimate was very high for minor wood rot repair so I asked her to bring me two more bids. The following day a young man came out and gave me a quote. I agreed to have my trim painted and all the wood rot replaced. I also requested the gutters to be replaced in the front. The job started on the 4th of the month. The first day a young man was dropped off and began painting the exterior trim. After about 6 hours I went out to ask how things were going. He not only painted in patches but had gotten paint all over my siding, roof

[projectmgr]

on 8/8/2008 Verify with the contractor that a permit has been taken out; Building, Electrical, Plumbing, etc.

[luv2blog]

on 6/24/2008 Good advice.