5 things you can expect from a reputable contractor
Thursday, January 15th, 2015
With the economy rebounding this year, you may be considering doing some remodeling on your home. Maybe you’d like to add a room or two, or maybe your kitchen could use a transformation. Whatever your construction needs are, it’s important to make sure that the contractor you choose is on the level.
Recently, I read an article that made me cringe a little. It reminded me that all too many contractors are not necessarily honest. These days, contractors can be found at a dime a dozen. As Paul Sullivan, the chairman of the
National Association of Home Builders Remodelers says, “There are plenty of people out there with a pickup truck and a tape measure.”
In the article
“10 things contractors won’t tell you” by Elizabeth O’Brien of
MarketWatch, you’ll find ten important cautions about choosing a home builder or remodeler. These are things that McCamy Construction will never do.
On the flip side, here are a few things you should always consider when choosing a contractor:
1. Be sure your contractor has a license and references.
Did you know that in 2012, work done by unlicensed contractors ranked up near the top of the consumer complaint list?
Be sure that your contractor has a license and check out those references. Asking to see their work is also wise. Not everybody’s definition of good work is the same.
2. There should always be a leadman acting as the liaison between the homeowner and the subcontractors.
A lowball bid can be a sign that the company doesn’t hire leadmen to supervise the work. Sure, it’s much less expensive for the contractor to do the job without someone in charge of the whole project. But, having a supervisor means better communication and better workmanship in the long run which pays for itself many times over in customer satisfaction.
3. Obtaining a building permit, even for a remodel, insures propers inspections of the project.
Less reputable contractors may take advantage of the homeowner if there is no one to inspect the project along the way. Municipal inspections of the project can catch errors and can be a safe guard to making sure the work is done completely and correctly.
4. A reputable contractor treats the home he is working on with care.
You’ll want to be sure the contractor allows you access to his current work and multiple references and then notice his working habits.
Is he careful to take measures to keep outside dirt from getting in the home? Does he take care with his own tools? On a remodel, has he made sure to keep most of the airborne dust and debris from entering the rest of the house? You’ll want to be sure the contractor you choose someone who is a meticulous craftsman as well as someone who keeps a tidy workspace.
5. Good contractors don’t go door to door.
Although this may sound like a no-brainer, many would-be con artists posing as contractors can be convincing. No matter how good the deal sounds, always check out the credentials of the contractor you wish to hire…before you hire him. Says Susan Grant, director of consumer protection for the
Consumer Federation of America: “Never go with someone who just comes to your door, offering their services.”
At
McCamy Construction, our clients’ satisfaction is top priority. We will always tell you up front through our
building process what to expect and we will follow through each and every time. Check us out. We believe you’ll find an excellent experience with every client.
