Thinking of hiring a lawn service, house painter, or deck builder? Not sure how to get started on choosing the right service who is reputable? You’re not alone.
For starters, there’s the old classic problem of letting a business try and choose you—at your doorstep.
It’s intimidating (possibly intended to be!)
It’s inconvenient
You’re put on the spot
They will frequently say, “We just did some work for some of
your neighbors” (but it’s not clear who or when)
Not a setting conducive to talking about price, specifics, timing
They want to “do a deal” then and there
No matter what, do not pay them up front
Not usually equipped with company info, price list, etc.
You don’t know if it’s a reputable company
How do you get in touch of them if there’s a problem?
They could be scoping you out for burglary
Or, some communities have a problem with what are called “door knockers.” These are little flyers or scraps of paper left on your porch or doorknob.
Not a lot of information provided
Prices may be quoted, but afterward, they are higher
(good old-fashioned bait-and-switch)
Lawn work, exterior/interior painting, gutters/eaves,
window washing
Again, how do you know they are reputable?
Again, how to get in touch of them later?
Never pay up front; insist you will pay after the fact and
by credit card only (this may get rid of them!)
And then there’s the right way to select a service provider, which takes a little time and some savvy effort on your part.
1. Plan your project from start to finish. ((What do you need,
specifically? You decide..)
2. Be sure to check with the BBB 303-758-2100 or www.denverbbb.org for a report.
3. Ask your neighbors, friends, co-workers, dentist, etc. for their experiences.
4. Starting with the phone book is better than door-to-door
(at least you’d know they were a local company, not ‘travelers’).
5. Get several bids in writing. Make sure you discuss the bid with the provider. Do not automatically choose the lowest bidder.
6. Ask the contractor how many projects like yours he/she has completed in the last year. Ask for several local references—and follow through on checking them.
Ask a customer whose project was similar to yours:
-- Can I visit your home to see the completed job?
-- Were you satisfied?
-- Was the work completed on time?
-- Did the contractor keep you informed along the way?
-- Were there unexpected costs?
-- Did workers show up on time?
-- Did they clean up afterward?
-- Would you recommend the contractor?
-- Would you use the contractor again?
7. Ask about workers compensation insurance and coverage for property damage and personal liability (i.e., is the contractor fully bonded). In addition, ask to see the contractor's license, and make sure it is current. Rules on licensing and registration vary by area. Check with your municipal building office.
8. Call the local police for any recent problems people have had with the contractor.
BEWARE OF A CONTRACTOR WHO . . .
1. Asks you to get the permit(s), since a competant contractor will get all the necessary permits before beginning work, and asking you to do it could mean that the contractor is not licensed or registered in your area.
2. Includes vaguely worded provisions, exclusions or limitations in contract that could later pose a problem. Make sure that confusing or ambigious statements are deleted or clarified to your satisfaction.
3. Offers you a discount to find other customers.
4. "Just happens to have materials left over" from a previous job.
5. Only accepts cash payments, and/or asks for more than one-third payment down.
6. Offers exceptionally long guarantees.
7. Does not list a business number in the local telephone directory.
8. Tells you your job will be a "demonstration."
9. Pressures you for an immediate decision.
10. Suggests that you borrow money from a lender who is associated with the contractor--you could lose your home through a home improvement loan scam.
