If you have experience hiring contractors for any given home renovation project, you probably understand the importance of choosing the best. From contractors who skip town with your money to those who don’t fulfill their end of the deal, some homeowners have had their fair share of nightmares during and after remodels.
If you’ve never remodeled before, please be aware that the contractor you choose will greatly determine whether the experience turns out good or bad for you. So here are 7 warning signs that tell you the contractor you’re about to hire is not the right one for you.
1. Ignores local regulations
Be wary of a contractor who is ready to start working without the necessary building permits or without having completed the required inspections in order to save you time. There’s a high chance the contractor is not even qualified or knows that the work is substandard and will not pass inspection.
2. Doesn’t have credentials
Credible contractors are accredited by third party sites and organizations like the BBB and Angie’s List. If the contractor is not a member of any reputable trade organization or has many negative reviews and complaints on popular sites, it is a serious red flag.
3. Cannot offer proof of insurance
If a contractor claims to have general liability insurance and workers compensation insurance but doesn’t show documents to prove it, think twice before hiring. In case something goes wrong during the project, it’s likely to be upon you as the property owner.
How to Interview and Select a Home Improvement Contractor:
4. Lacks experience
It’s a high risk to hire a contractor who lacks experience in the specific type of home improvement project you want done. Experience is especially important when it comes to long term projects that require a large team to manage.
5. Is poor at communication
Another signal that you might not get what you expect or pay for is when a contractor displays poor communication with the client at the beginning. How long did it take the contractor to get back to you? Did they offer several modes of communication with clients? Things can quickly spiral out of control because of poor communication.
Understand that once you let go of the money, you lose all negotiating power. Always inspect the home remodeling work prior to releasing funds:
- More information: helpful docs when selecting a contractor
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6. Lack of licensing
Is the contractor licensed to handle home improvement projects in your state? Working with an unlicensed contractor may not only turn out to be costly but also very hazardous.
7. Displays lack of professionalism
Does the contractor want you to start a project before you even sign a contract? Choose someone who is professional because you’ll be inviting them into your home and expecting them to respect your property.
Like in many situations, it’s always wise to follow your instincts when choosing a contractor. If you get a bad feeling about any aspect of the hiring process, have your concerns addressed or choose a new contractor. After all, your home is such an invaluable investment, so why should you settle for second best?
Share this with your friends and neighbors and help them to avoid the nightmare of choosing the wrong contractor.
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