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Get it in Writing!
While hiring a contractor for your home, remember a
pen is your most valuable tool!
Read the Get it in Writing! consumer pamphlet. Click
here to download .
WHEN
YOU HIRE A CONTRACTOR ALWAYS KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE GETTING INTO. NEVER
SUBJECT YOURSELF TO LAWSUITS, FINANCIAL LIENS OR LIABILITY FOR ACCIDENTS
OR INJURIES AT THE WORKPLACE.
HIRE A PROFESSIONAL BUILDER OR
RENOVATOR THAT YOU KNOW DOES THINGS THE RIGHT WAY, WITH SATISFIED
CUSTOMERS AND A BUSINESS THAT IS RUN PROPERLY.
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YOU CAN ENSURE FINDING A SKILLED PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTOR BY FOLLOWING THESE FOUR EASY STEPS:
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- STEP 1: Get Recommendations
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- STEP 2: Get Customer References |
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- STEP 3: Get Risk Protection |
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- STEP 4: Get
it in Writing! |
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STEP ONE
Get Recommendations!
There are a number of questions that you should ask before hiring a
contractor. Start by asking your friends and family, as well as
neighbors for recommendations. Have they recently hired a a contractor
to build, renovate or repair? Were they happy with the results? Would
they hire the contractor again in the future? Inquire about the quality
and craftsmanship. Was it completed on time within the agreed price
range? Make certain that the contractor supplied a written contract and
didn't request for payment "under the table".
Contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Home Builders Association for a list of professional builders and renovators in your area.
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STEP TWO
Get References and Check Them!
Any good contractor has a list of satisfied clients. Ask your
contractor for some customer references. These people can confirm that
the contractor did the job right. Follow through and contact the
homeowners. Ask similar questions to the ones that you asked when
collecting recommendations. Were your requests carried out properly, in
a timely manor and within the specified budget range. Would the
homeowners hire the contractor for work in the future. If the
contractor is unable, or unwilling to give you references, chances are
you are dealing with a shady individual. Don't hire them!
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STEP THREE
Get Protection From Risks!
It is important that the contractor you hire is running their business
the right way. If not you may be taking some serious risks. Poor work
quality, unnecessary costs and no warranty service are just a few of
the problems you may encounter. Not to mention the possibility of a
very expensive legal bill.
Professional
contractors always carry liability insurance and workplace compensation
coverage (when required). They heed to municipal building permit and
licensing rules. This will protect you. Without such protection, you
could be held liable for injuries or damages that occur as a result of
your building or renovation work. Be certain to get proof of protection
from these risks. Ask the contractor for insurance and workplace. Be
sure your written contract or agreement spells out exactly who is
responsible attaining the building permits and approvals. You will want
to contact your insurance company before construction begins, since
most homeowner's fire and liability insurance does not cover
construction-related risks. At that time, you may determine any
additional coverage needed during construction
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STEP FOUR
Get It in Writing!
Always get a written contract that states What Where When Who and for
How Much the work will be done, and remember, never agree to anything
before you have it in writing.
A
contract is important for many reasons. Without one there is little one
can do in the event of poor or incomplete work. You risk being
extremely over charged and it is unlikely that you will get any
warranty or after-sales service.
In addition, a proper, written
contract gives you specific legal protection should your contractor go
bankrupt or fail to pay for the material and labor necessary to
complete your project. Without this it is possible that you will face
liens and have to pay suppliers, after all is said and done. Even if
you already paid the contractor.
Professional contractors always provide customers with a clear, written contract.
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Be Careful About "Great Deals"!
Not all contractors play by the book.
The
real professionals care about their reputation. They also want to
maintain that reputation. Underground contractors don't always care
about such things.
These contractors will offer you a very low price
just as long as there is nothing written on paper. This sort of thing
is being done because they do not do business the right way. This will
not protect you from there mess-ups! If something should go wrong, you
just may end up with some very serious legal bills, and there is
probably not much that can be done about incomplete work at this point.
Always
heed this warning. Don't get "ripped-off" by that "great deal". Chances
are you will end up with a real nightmare on your hands. Play it safe.
Hire a professional contractor and get what you pay for.
To learn more about the risks of doing
business with underground contractors, and how to protect yourself, visit the Get
it in Writing! website.
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