Wallingford CT Home Remodeling: Selecting the Right Contractor
Posted by Bob Wiedenmann on Tue, Mar 08, 2011 @ 10:15 AM
One of the most important decisions you’ll make after deciding to embark on a home remodeling project is who will be doing the work. Why is this so important? Not only will you be spending a significant amount of money on this project (which means you want it done right), but you’ll also be spending a fair amount of time with this person and his workers. If you’re going to have someone in your home for weeks, you want it to be someone you trust.
Selecting the right remodeling contractor can be a bit of a minefield. Unfortunately there are some less-than-reputable remodelers out there. Some of them just get in over their heads because they don’t have the skills and experience required to do the job right. The result is that they get themselves (and you) in trouble. Others are deliberately trying to fleece you. How can you protect yourself?
Here are a few warning signs that can help you avoid remodelers who lack the skills—or the integrity to work on your home remodeling project.
A bid that’s too good to be true. We’ve all heard this a thousand times, but we occasionally still fall for it. If a remodeler presents you with a bid that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And if he agrees to all of your additional requests without adjusting the price, he either doesn’t have a clue about what is involved—or he’s dishonest.
Lack of references. If remodeler you’re talking to is only willing to give you a couple of references you should wonder why. Make sure the references you get are recent and that they’re credible. Call them! Better yet, go look at work the remodeler has done. Would you be happy to have that quality in your home?
Push to sign a contract. If the remodeler attempts to rush you into signing a contract before you’re ready, that’s a red flag. A building project is a big decision and no reputable contractor will rush you.
Specifications are too vague. If the specifications for your project are too vague (what type of materials, what quality standards, exact finishes, specific timelines) you should ask for clarification. Incomplete or vague specifications are a way that some contractors take advantage of homeowners and run up the price. You don’t want to hear: “That wasn’t covered in the original contract” when it’s something that should have been covered.
Inadequate allowances. Unscrupulous contractors will sometimes include allowances that are inadequate to complete your project. It’s an old trick. While your initial bid may look great, the remodeling contractor will come back and hit you up for what he really needs to complete the project. And once he’s got your house torn up, he’s got you over a barrel.
What it really comes down to, is trust. If you suspect that a contractor is trying to take advantage of you—you need to just walk away. It’s an awful feeling to go through a whole project wondering if you’re being taken.
What else do you think you should ask your potential remodeler?
