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Ten Steps to Finding a Good Contractor

 

#1 COMMUNICATION

 
Generally businesses that have an office person answering the phone are going to be more dependable. Chances are that if you receive an answering machine when you call to request service, that is exactly what you will get if the job was not performed right or if there is an emergency.

 

If you do receive an answering machine, time how fast the call back takes. Keep in mind how long you would be able to tolerate it if the furnace or air conditioning were out during peak season.

 

Don't be afraid to ask the company about how they communicate with their people in the field. A reputable company will use pagers, two-way radios, or cell phones.

 

 

#2 WARRANTY


Check out what type of warranties the business offers:

  • A reputable company always guarantees their work.

  • The typical industry standard for labor is 90 days.

  • The typical industry standard for parts is 1 year.

  • Equipment warranties will usually vary depending on the manufacturer and what extended warranties are available.

 

#3 INSURANCE

 
If a contractor is negligent while performing work in your home causing damage, you shouldn't have to go to your homeowners insurance for coverage.

 

Ask what type of liability insurance coverage the business has.

 

Typically at least one million dollars of general liability insurance is a good guideline to go by. It would be prudent to stay clear of contractors that do not have liability insurance, and there are plenty of one man businesses out there that do not.

 

 
#4 RESPONSIVENESS

 
Does the contractor keep a promise?

 

A reputable contractor will either show up on time or give you a phone call letting you know when he/she will be there.

 

If the contractor fails to show without a phone call, this is a one strike policy to find someone else. Occasionally a contractor will not have on hand everything necessary to complete the job. Reputable contractors will return within a day provided supplies are available. If something needs to be ordered, Fed Ex can deliver within a day or two, and the contractor should update you as to the status. Don't tolerate things being dragged out over many days or weeks. Select a different contractor if it turns into that.

 

 
#5 CUSTOMER RELATIONS

 
Pay close attention to the technicians actions, as this reflects greatly on the company and the training of their employees.

 

Good contractors will take the time to introduce themselves and explain what they are going to do. If a problem is detected the contractor should explain thoroughly what it is, what needs to be done, and the cost to do it.

 

At no time should a contractor proceed with any work without your permission.

 

Good contractors will keep a neat work area by picking up all scraps, parts, and debris, leaving the area as they found it.

 

 
#6 PROFESSIONALISM

 
Pay close attention to appearance.

 

Reputable companies will have a marked truck with the company name and logo. Contractors should have at least a company shirt and be neat. You may want to avoid contractors with a sloppy appearance, jeans or shirts with holes, etc., as this may be a hint to how their work is as well.

 
 

#7 LABOR RATES

 
Before you have a contractor out, inquire as to how the labor rates are structured and what exactly they are.

 

Some companies have an extremely high first hour rate, that will be charged even if no work is performed. If this price is high for the market, what if they did do repairs? Ask as to when the labor time starts, when the contractor enters the home or does the clock include the travel time the contractor takes getting to your home.

 

 
#8 ADVERTISING

 
Many contractors will offer $50 or $75 off certain items or services, but not tell you off what price.

 

Always find out the exact price so you understand what type of discount you are really getting. Some contractors may increase the price to include the discount, resulting in no savings at all, a somewhat deceptive ad practice.

 

 
#9 EMPLOYEE SCREENING

 
Inquire how the business screens their employees.

This is so critical because the company's employees are the ones that will be in your home or business, so there should be at least a standard screening performed by the company before they enter your home.

  • Does the company perform drug/alcohol testing of employees?

  • Does the company perform a criminal history background check?

    • If not then you may reconsider, and look for another company.

     

     
    #10 BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

     
    Check with the local Better Business Bureau about the company. Inquire as to how long the company has been in business. Check if there are any complaints on file. While any business will have an occasional complaint, look for a pattern of frequency. Does the business have multiple complaints every month? If so, you could be the next.

     

     

    We hope these steps will assist you in minimizing the risk and ease the burden of selecting a contractor.

     

     

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