Q) I have had some bad experiences when hiring a contractor for repairs at my home. What are some safeguards I can use to make sure that I hire a reputable contractor?
A) Unfortunately, not all contractors are created equal, and the best-case scenario is not always the typical experience.
It is tempting to choose the cheapest contractor but price should not be the only indicator when deciding who to use. A legitimate company must be able to pay their bills, and you want a company that will stay in business and be able to warranty and service their work. When you consider all the expenses to run a business-like licensing, bonding and insurance, the rising costs of trucks, tools, and products and employee compensation, it is easier to understand why costs of services are high.
Choose a contractor that is local and invested in your community.
Here are some tips to guide you in choosing a contractor:
Be Aware: Large nationwide conglomerates have bought out many of our local companies. This can significantly impact the corporate culture within the company and move their focus away from the needs and satisfaction of the homeowner. In many cases, the training for the trades has been replaced with training in sales.
Major categories of home services, like HVAC, plumbing and roofing, recruit employees by offering them competitive salary jobs. A fair-salaried technician’s job can become a very lucrative commission-based compensation package. The technicians are trained to look for opportunities to raise revenue for every job site visit.
The farther away the headquarters are, it seems, the less care and concern there is for the customer by these sales-minded companies.
It is the consumer’s job to be on the offensive. Play it smart with these easy tips.
P — Pay Attention
Pay attention to detail. It will pay big dividends. At the very least, homeowners should check to make sure that the company is licensed, insured and bonded at the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
Check their online reviews. Look at the first several reviews. Then scroll down to see if there are reviews at the bottom that tell a different story.
Put the burden of trust on the contractor. Ask for recent referrals and call their previous customers.
L — Listen between the lines.
What are they spending their time talking about? Are they there to perform a service, or are they there to up-sell you?
Some companies will offer a free inspection. That is not always a bad thing, but high-pressure techniques are. Scare tactics are often used to sell services that are not necessary or urgent.
A — Ask Lots of questions!
What are the services that will be performed?
What do they cost? Let the tech know you want to know the price BEFORE the work is started.
Sometimes a tech will ask if the customer wants something EXTRA done and proceed without discussing the price. Don’t let this happen in your house!
What is not covered in the estimate?
What are the details of the warranty?
Y — You are in control.
Choose the contractor you want. Don’t be pressured by door knockers or phone salesman. You are not obligated to answer the phone or the door to people you do not know. Do not let strangers in your home.
Don’t be rushed into a decision.
Consider having a trusted confidant to help ensure you make the best decision
Check out this website for tips on how to avoid fraud committed against the elderly: helpguide.org/articles/abuse/elder-scams-and-senior-fraud-abuse.htm
Find Rosie Certified Partners at rosieonthehouse.com/search-partner.
