admin posted on April 25, 2011 11:04
Homeowner’s Checklist: Ten Tips for Hiring a Home Repair Contractor
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – If you have damage to your home, your roof, or trees on your property from the recent storms, the BBB has a warning for you to watch out for ‘storm chasers’.
“All it takes is a business card, a cell phone, some photocopied flyers and a hammer for someone to claim they are a contractor,” said BBB President Tom Bartholomy. “The contractor who shows up may actually be a ‘storm chaser’ who is based out-of-state and is using his pick-up truck as an office.”
The BBB advises homeowners to be wary of contractors who promise work at cut-rate prices. They may show up at your door, advertise in local newspapers, or put fliers in your mailbox.
“Homeowners should hire a local contractor with a good track record,” said Bartholomy. “There are thousands of reputable contractors who will deliver quality work, on time and within budget.”
BBB’s Home Repair Checklist: 10 Tips for Hiring a Contractor:
* Track record – Check out a company’s BBB rating and complaint history at www.bbb.org. It’s fast, easy and free. You can also call the BBB at (704) 927-8611 or 1-877-317-7236, toll-free in N.C. and S.C. Customer service staff are available, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (excluding 12-1 p.m. for lunch).
* Cost comparisons - Get at least three bids in writing and be sure you compare the bids based on the same warranty, specifications, labor and time.
* Licensing - Check to see if the company you plan to hire has the proper licensing. In N.C., contractors must be licensed if the total job exceeds $30,000. In S.C., contractors must be licensed if the total job cost exceeds $5,000.
N.C. General Contractors Licensing Board, click on Licensee Search
S.C. Contractors Licensing Board, click on Licensee Lookup
They must also have a Town of Matthews Privilege License. Ask to see it.
* Insurance - Verify the company’s liability insurance to protect you against damage. You can also check with the department of insurance in your state.
N.C. Dept. of Insurance - 1-800-546-5664 toll-free from N.C.
S.C. Dept. of Insurance - 803-737-6180 or 1-800-768-3467 toll free from S.C.
* References – Ask for references from the company’s last three jobs and check them out before you sign a contract. Do not hire someone who is driving through your neighborhood, or who puts a flyer in your mailbox and claims to be doing work with your neighbors.
* Written contract - Do not permit work to start without a signed, written contract that includes start and completion dates, exact costs, specific work to be done, and warranty information. Be sure to read the fine print carefully.
* Deposit required and payment – Do not pay more than 25 to 33 percent of the total job cost as a deposit. Final payment should not be due until the job is completed. Do not pay in cash; pay by check or credit card.
* Warranty – Get warranty information in writing on products and installation. Be sure to read the fine print carefully.
* Bonding – Be sure all workers are bonded to protect you against theft and damage.
* Criminal history – Check out anyone you allow into your home to see if they have a criminal history.
N.C. online offender search – online offender directory search
S.C. Dept. of Corrections - instructions to obtain information on offenders
For more information, please visit www.bbb.org.