When you decide to have work done on your home, you need to make sure that your contractor is honest and competent. Here are some red flags that might signal that you’re dealing with a bad apple.
Make Sure They Have Credentials
Before any work begins, make sure that the contractor can provide proof of insurance and worker’s compensation. If your project is going to be especially large and complicated, make sure that they’re bonded as well.
Their Reviews and References Are Bad or Nonexistent
Good contractors are proud to show you their portfolio and all the good reviews and references they’ve gotten from satisfied customers. Some will resist this, so you might want to go online and see what people have to say about them. While even a good contractor may pick up a bad review here and there, a slew of them is a bad sign. A contractor who has no reviews at all either has you as their very first customer, which is unlikely, or they were in such bad shape that they dissolved their own old company and changed their name.
They Want All or Most of the Money Up Front
Though the contractor is right to ask for a down payment, it shouldn’t be all of the money or even most of the money. Experts believe that a down payment should never be more than 25% of the total cost of the project.
They Won’t Sign a Contract or the Contract Is Too Vague
The contractor simply must agree to sign a written contract before work begins. The contract also needs to be detailed, with dates for when the work begins and when it should end, a payment schedule, a list of materials needed, subcontractors, equipment, permits, liens, and anything else that’s needed to complete the project. Nothing should be left to chance.
A Suspiciously Low Bid
Granted, a contractor who’s just starting out may give a low bid because they simply need the job to start to build a portfolio. But even then, the bid shouldn’t be ridiculously low. A very low bid is a red flag that suggests the contractor will cut corners on the job.
The Contractor Wants You to Obtain Permits
Contractors who are going to work on a job that requires permits should obtain them, and this should be specified in the contract. A contractor who insists that you get the permits instead is most likely one who doesn’t have a license or whose license has been pulled.
Learn More About Contractor Red Flags
The licensed professionals at McEntee Renovations pride themselves on their skill, knowledge, and integrity when it comes to kitchen and bathroom remodeling, cabinet installation, and deck and patio construction. Unfortunately, not all contractors have such integrity, so it’s important to know when you’re dealing with a bad one. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact McEntee Renovations in Bethlehem, PA today.
