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Hiring A Contractor - 10 Mistakes To Avoid
A very smart attorney I know paid $7,000 for
a roof repair, only to have the roof leak the next time it rained.
The contractor stalled, made excuses, but never did a thing about
it. Anyone can have these kinds of problems when having repairs or
improvements done, but to make it less likely, avoid the following
mistakes when hiring a contractor.
1. Not knowing what you want. If you don't know what you want, you
might not like what you get. Also, if you change your mind and
change the job halfway through, the contract - and price - have
changed (Hint: it won't get cheaper). Know clearly what you want
done.
2. Not getting everything in writing. You don't want to hear, "I
didn't say I was going to include the gutters."
3. Not having dates in the contract. Did you want it finished this
year? You better have it in the contract.
4. Paying too much up front. A deposit may be a reasonable request
when the contract is signed, and money for materials prior to the
start date. Never pay in full before the job is finished.
5. Hiring unlicensed contractors. Actually, this can be okay, if you
know what you are doing (and he does). The license doesn't mean you
get expertise, but it does mean you get leverage. A contractor will
right his wrongs to avoid losing that license.
6. Hiring the first one in the phone book. Ask friends who had work
done, or the owner of a hardware store. Find a recommendation based
on a similar job to yours.
7. Thinking there will be no problems. Weather delays, employees
quitting, and more will happen. Having problems is okay, but it's
not okay if the contractor can't work out the issues to your
satisfaction.
8. Expecting neatness. Believe it or not, it is sometimes efficient
to leave things laying where they'll next be used. There will be
messes, so prepare accordingly. Cover things if it will be a dusty
job, for example. Also be clear in the contract that the jobsite
will be cleaned up at the end of the job.
9. Not having penalties in the contract. This is important on large
jobs. It's one thing to say "Work to be completed by May 2nd," but
better to add, "$100 per day to be deducted from the contract price
for each day the job is unfinished beyond May 2nd." That's what I
call a motivational clause.
10. Thinking contracts will prevent problems. They help, but
unreasonable people on either side of a contract can ignore them, or
use "literal readings" to make things even worse. Find someone you
can work with, and keep your eyes open.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. We offer
a great selection online at the lowest prices anywhere. We can also be
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