Whether you are replacing your roof, building an addition, or gutting and renovating your bathroom, an experienced contractor can make the process as smooth as possible. However, if you hire the wrong contractor or fail to take adequate precautions, your project could go terribly wrong. To ensure your project stays on track and meets your expectations, make sure you hire the right professional for the job by avoiding these common mistakes.
1. Choosing the Lowest Priced Contractor
What is the ultimate goal of your project? You will want to find the BEST WORK for the best value. You want to make sure the contractor you choose provides high-quality materials and high-quality installation.
Of course, you want to save money on your project but choosing a contractor on price alone is not the way to do it. It is true that you get what you pay for, and contractors offering an extremely low price may cut corners in installation and not use good materials. When you pay good money for a contractor, you are more likely to end up with a great finished product.
Selz Contracting will unapologetically not be the lowest bid you receive. What you will get is a fair price, proper documentation/photographs that are crucial for insurance claims, expert construction quality that adheres to professional practices, and peace of mind that the job is done right.
2. Don't Do Any Research
Don't be afraid to ask a potential contractor for references. These are invaluable in determining how they have handled previous projects.
Ask questions. You can find out a lot about a contractor's knowledge and your ability to communicate with them by asking questions. Here are a few questions you might ask:
Have you performed work in the area?
How long have you used your crew?
How long have you been in business?
How experienced is your crew?
How can I reach out during the process?
Be warry in using online review sources such as Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau. Although, they can provide some useful feedback, there have been numerous complaints by small businesses about the misinformation that can be on these sites and investigations by Time, The Los Angeles Times, and ABC News about this issue. There is also a common practice of competitors leaving false reviews can be misleading. Look for reviews that have comments and not just "stars".
3. Go With a Contractor That Wants a Large Deposit or Payment Up Front
Many homeowners have been taken advantage of by unscrupulous contractors who demand large deposits or full payment upfront and then disappear without performing or finishing the work. Don't be a victim - avoid contractors who ask for large upfront sums, personal checks or cash. The standard down payment in most states is 10 percent
4. Proceed With a Project With a Handshake Deal
The project you are going to hire a contractor to do requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a large amount of money to be invested.
The only person who is protected by a verbal deal is an unscrupulous contractor. If you fail to get everything in writing, you may end up having to do it all over again.
5. Go With a Contractor That Promises to Waive Your Deductible
It is against the law in the state of Texas for a contractor to waive an insurance deductible. Although it could be tempting, if this happens, find a different contractor.
This law was implemented in 2019, and violators could get up to a $2,000 fine and up to six months in jail. If a contractor offers to waive a deductible, you can also report it to the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-621-0508.
You can also find out more information at the Texas Department of Insurance website.
“Roofers who waive deductibles are cutting corners," said Texas Insurance Commissioner Kent Sullivan. "Take your business elsewhere.”
The team at Selz Contracting is here to help with any questions you may about your insurance claim, roofing, or other contracting needs in the Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding areas. Check out OUR PROMISE TO YOU.
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