Tonight
people of all ages will assume disguises and pretend to be somebody else for a
day. Some may even knock on doors asking for hand outs, or they might pull a
harmless prank in the neighborhood. It’s nice to know this behavior is inspired
by fun and reserved for Halloween. Or so we think. Unfortunately, there are
real-life shady characters who mislead unsuspecting homeowners throughout the
year, and who make expensive mistakes that are anything but fun and games. Regrettably,
some of these fly-by-night imposters pose as legitimate home remodelers day
after day. |
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According to the Better Business Bureau, complaints against home improvement and repair contractors are among the most common consumer complaints received. Reports range from high-pressure sales tactics and confusion over contract terms, to poor or incomplete workmanship and overcharging for the work provided. We often get a gut feeling if someone is trying to pull one over on us, but some bad contractors are very likeable at first, and promise you great things at reasonable prices. And what about the person who doesn’t attempt to intentionally scam us? This is more difficult to detect, especially when someone is truly being sincere. We’re referring to the honest contractor, neighbor, family member or social group contact, who is either unskilled, unprofessional, or both. They may mean well, but their lack of knowledge, or inability to complete or manage your project correctly, can be just as devastating as the work of an unscrupulous contractor. In fact, you need to be just as cautious of the inexperienced, honest guy as you would the scamming con artist. Unprofessional and disreputable contractors can be easy to spot if you know what to look for – and if you don’t let the temptations of a conspicuously low price keep you from seeing the warning signs. To protect yourself, be cautious of the contractor who sells his services door-to-door, uses high-pressure sales tactics, and who offers a quick price reduction when you refuse the initial bid. A professional contractor is punctual and well organized, able to verify credentials, offers detailed estimates and schedules in writing, guarantees completion dates, has proper insurance coverage, and doesn’t hesitate to show you references and examples of their workmanship. Beware of the contractor who doesn’t offer a long-term warranty on their work, asks you to pull permits, and who presents a bid or schedule that seems too good to be true (because it probably is). A reputable contractor should also have a physical address and a land-line telephone number, otherwise it implies he has no real place of business, he manages all aspects of projects himself, or remodeling may be a side business and not a priority. This scenario spells trouble, particularly for larger, more complex projects that require intense management. Ignore the red flags, and your home renovation project may get really scary, really fast. But pay attention to a few simple clues, and choosing one of the certified, professional remodeling contractors in our community can truly be a treat. ### Bryan Soth and Dwight Sailer are authors of the consumer guide “What You Need to Know before Hiring a Remodeling Contractor” and owners of HighCraft Builders, a design-build remodeling firm dedicated to professional excellence. For more information, call (970) 472-8100 or visit www.HighCraft.net.
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