How to Avoid Shady Contractors
It is extremely easy to fall for the sales pitches and hire the first contractor that comes to your door. However, no one wants to get ripped off or end up with poor quality work from a contractor. Therefore, choosing the right contractor is essential when getting the job done on your home. Choose a contractor that proves himself to you through not only their actions but their reviews and experience. So how do you avoid shady contractors? Let's take a look.
Look for licensed contractors.
Licensed contractors protect both parties, the contractor, and the customer from any problems that might occur during the construction. It ensures that the contractor is professional and demonstrates that they have the required insurance and have met the legal requirements for the work line. Often unlicensed contractors can give lower prices than those licensed, and if something happens to them during the construction, you are liable.
Research the contractor
Research is critical when choosing a contractor. The internet is a powerful resource in proving whether a contractor is shady or not. Websites like Angie's List and Better Business Bureau can give you good insight into the company. These websites provide a customer with past client reviews and complaints. They are a trusted and reliable source that will provide you with information regarding the business's background, licensing, and accreditation. They also can scan your area for scammers. Google also offers valuable information about contractors. By typing in the name of a company and searching for reviews or articles relating to scams or rip-offs, you can determine whether the contractor is shady or not.
Get estimates from other contractors.
When looking into a contractor, it is essential to look into the prices and not make any decisions before asking other contractors. It is a smart idea to understand how much the services cost and how they differ from others. If a contractor is super cheap, it could cause red flags as well as if they are costly.
Ask for recommendations
The best way to avoid a shady contractor is to ask people you trust for their recommendations. Neighbors, friends, and family who have used a similar contractor could give you great insight into whether the contractor is reliable and trustworthy. Seek out those you can trust because you know they will be honest and tell you the truth about the contractors they have worked with or heard about.
Look out for red flags.
Sometimes red flags are obvious and other times, not so much. By being aware of red flags, you can save yourself a lot of time and money. When looking to hire a contractor, be sure to keep an eye out for bad customer reviews, articles on the internet, giving them bad publicity, and updated websites and contact information. Also, when talking with the contractor, if they will not provide you with adequate information, a specific timeline, or a pricing guide, it may be a sign that they are shady. If the contractor is terrible at communicating, pushy, or rude, they are not worth your time. Also, be sure to look into the contracts' fine details, being sure to carefully read through the content to make sure there are no red flags hidden within.
Choosing the right contractor can make or break your home and can end up costing you a large sum of money. Be sure to take the essential steps to ensure your contractor is trustworthy and reliable. Professionalism and transparency are crucial in business, and choosing the right contractor can save you lots of time and money.