Hiring a contractor can be a daunting task, especially for homeowners who are not familiar with the process. However, experts say that there are several red flags that homeowners can watch out for to avoid costly mistakes.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
According to Dan DiClerico, home improvement and outdoor director at Good Housekeeping, homeowners should be cautious of contractors who pressure them to sign a contract immediately. This can be a sign that the contractor is trying to take advantage of the homeowner.
Other red flags include contractors who offer leftover materials from another job, cannot prove they are licensed and insured, and have blank spaces in their contract. Homeowners should also be wary of contractors who ask for a large upfront payment or insist on cash only.
Verifying Credentials
DiClerico emphasizes the importance of verifying a contractor’s credentials before signing a contract. Homeowners should ask for copies of the contractor’s license and insurance and check for any complaints filed against them.
Homeowners should also read the contract carefully and make sure they understand all the terms and conditions. If something is not clear, they should ask questions and not sign the contract until they are satisfied.
In addition, homeowners should get at least three estimates from different contractors and compare prices and services. They should also ask for references and check online reviews to get an idea of the contractor’s reputation.
Protecting Yourself
To protect themselves from potential scams, homeowners should never pay a large upfront payment and should always pay by check or credit card. This will create a paper trail in case something goes wrong.
Homeowners should also be cautious of contractors who find unexpected damage during a renovation and pressure them to approve expensive repairs on the spot. They should ask to see the damage, take photos, and consider getting a second opinion before approving the work.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
