By Jamie Spence | Contributor
Kathleen and Ted* decided to hire a contractor they came across on Facebook for some remodeling projects in their home. Impressed by several positive comments and a handful of photos showcasing past work, along with mutual friends, they felt confident enough to proceed. They signed the contract and paid a 50% deposit. Fast forward two months, and only half of the work was done while the contractor became impossible to reach. Worse yet, their money had vanished. After consulting with an attorney, they were informed that pursuing legal action would cost more than the loss itself. Reluctantly, they shifted their focus to finding a new contractor, which required them to significantly downscale their original plans due to reduced funds.
This kind of experience is all too frequent. In Texas, unlike many other states, anyone can start working as a general contractor without needing to pass examinations or submit documentation. While there was a requirement for home improvement contractors to register their businesses in the past, that is no longer the case. Consequently, anyone wishing to offer general contracting services can simply create a social media profile or attach a vinyl sign to their vehicle to announce their availability. These so-called “Chuck in a truck” contractors can yield inconsistent results: some may deliver excellent work, while others may produce subpar results—or even disappear with your funds.
How can you prevent this from happening to you? Here are five important considerations for hiring a home remodeling contractor:
1. Verify their experience.
Seek contractors with a solid, verifiable history in the industry. Are they relying on temporary laborers, or do they have long-term employees? Can they offer references from past clients? Is their professional website up to date? Are there online reviews available? While supporting new contractors can be admirable, unless you have personal knowledge of their capabilities, it’s wiser to choose someone with an established tenure in the field. What constitutes an acceptable length of time is subjective to you, but ensure that you can obtain references to confirm their work quality.
2. Inquire about quality standards.
Professional contractors should be able to articulate their quality control measures. If you ask a contractor about their standards and they appear confused or uncertain, it may be prudent to continue your search elsewhere.
3. Discuss timelines.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, delays in obtaining materials and supplies have become commonplace. What used to take a few days can now stretch to several weeks. However, you don’t want your project to stagnate indefinitely. Clarify what timeline you can realistically expect and consider including a timeline clause in your contract with the contractor.
4. Ensure they have proper insurance.
Opt for a contractor who carries insurance for their employees, as this protects both you and the workers.
5. Understand your responsibilities before the project starts.
Before commencing work, clarify what preparations you need to make. Different remodeling tasks often require specific sequences of actions. While some projects may be completed in a different order, doing so could lead to additional costs. Be aware that you might have roles to fulfill or preparations to undertake before work can begin, though in some cases, you may not need to do anything.
Lori Yeary, co-owner of Liberty Glass & Mirror, encourages her clients to feel confident that her team will not only meet but exceed their expectations.
Regardless of what type of project you have envisioned, collaborating with a trustworthy contractor is vital. This individual and their team will be in and out of your home over an extended period, potentially affecting your living space with the quality of their work for years to come. Therefore, investing time in finding a contractor known for their skill, experience, and meticulousness will ensure that the job is done to your satisfaction.
*names changed for privacy
Photo courtesy of Liberty Glass and Mirror
