Starting a house project? Read these helpful tips before you hire a
contractor.
-Get
a list of reputable contractors from your insurance company, the Better
Business Bureau or a specialized consumer organization like Angie’s List.
-Contact
multiple contractors, and obtain more than one estimate.
-Don’t
allow a contractor to inspect your property if you’re not home.
-When
the contractor is inspecting your property, personally watch him conduct the
inspection.
-Obtain
the terms and conditions of the project in writing, including details on
specific supplies being used and who will purchase and deliver them. Include an
estimated completion date and a price-deduction schedule if work takes longer
than promised.
-Ask
about warranties on work.
-Make
sure the contractor gets the necessary permits and puts them in his name.
-Ask
for references from recently completed work. Call them and look at the work if
possible. Ask if there were issues and if the homeowner would use the
contractor again.
-Ask
the contractor if he has liability insurance, and get the policy number and
agency’s name. Call the agency, and ask them to provide you with a liability
certificate of insurance. There should be no charge to you as a customer of a
contractor.
-Avoid
signing the contract until the document is reviewed fully and/or discuss the
terms of the contract with a legal representative or a knowledgeable source.
-Pay
the contractor by check or credit card rather than in cash.
-Don’t
pay for work in advance. If possible, don’t pay until the work is done. If you
do agree to pay portions at different stages, make sure the bulk of the payment
is made at the end of the project after inspections are passed.
-Get these details in writing.
Sources: Ohio
Department of Insurance, PIAA of Ohio, and Ted Kinney, CIC, CPCU, ARM
