WISCONSIN (NBC 26) -- Whether you are doing repairs, adding on to your home or renovating a room, you may decide you need help with that project you are finally tackling. That’s where a contractor comes in. The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau (BBB) has 11 tips to make sure your contracting experience goes as smooth as possible.
The BBB says who you hire to be your contractor is the most important step in your project. By hiring the right one you can relax knowing your project is in good hands. Hire the wrong one, and you could be facing a wide range of problems from unfinished work to being sued for workers not being paid.
First, research and gather information on potential contractors. You can search for a contractor's Business Profile on BBB.org to get free information on their history of complaints, read verified customer's reviews, and see if they are an Accredited Business.
You can also try searching the company's name along with "complaint", "review", or "scam". In addition, you can ask the company if employees and subcontractors undergo a background check, if they are trained and certified, and what identification will they show when they come to your home.
Second, ask the contractor for recent, local references you can contact. Ask the references about the services performed and their overall experience with the contractor and the quality of work.
Another question to ask the references is if the contractor stuck to the estimated budget and completion date for the project. If possible, inspect the contractor's work yourself.
Third, ask for multiple quotes. The BBB says you should shop around and get at least three quotes from different businesses. Make sure all bids consider the same set of criteria.
Remember, the lowest bid may not be the best. A significantly low bid might be because the contractor is cutting corners or is not understanding your work requirements.
Fourth, get estimates in writing and never let any work begin without a written and signed contract. Do not be pressured into signing an agreement before you have read the contract, understand what is being done, and are ready to move forward with the project. Ask questions about parts of the contract you don't understand and never sign an incomplete or partially blank contract.
The BBB notes a contract should include contact information, start and complete dates, a detailed description of the exact work to be done, any material costs, payment arrangements, and warranty information. Specify who is to obtain necessary building permits and who is responsible for clean-up, making sure all verbal promises are included in the contract.
Fifth, verify the company has proper licenses and insurance to work in your region. In the United States, you can get to your state's licensing agency by CLICKING HERE.
Once you have your contractor's insurance information, call the carrier to confirm appropriate coverage for worker's compensation, property damage, and personal liability in case of accidents.
Sixth, confirm your contractor has the correct permits before starting your project. They will usually obtain the permits, but you will probably pay for them. That should be detailed in your contract. The BBB says your should request that all final inspections be completed by the local building official prior to final payment.
Seventh, inquire about a lien wavier. In the United States, a lien waiver is a statement from your contractor that sells all supplier and subcontractors have been paid for their work.
Eighth, this about future service issues. Make sure you are aware of your warranty coverage and how to deal with service issues should they arise.
Ninth, arrange a payment schedule. According to the BBB, never pay in full up front. Stagger your payments so your final payment is not due until the work is complete and you have inspected it.
The BBB adds to not pay with cash, and instead pay with a check or credit card in order to have a paper trail showing you paid. They add that checks should be written out to a company rather than an individual, but using a credit card provides some recourse should the job not be completed as stated in the contract.
Tenth, get a receipt. Additionally request the receipt is marked "Paid in Full" when the job is completed and your final payment is made.
Eleventh, the BBB suggests you keep your contract for future reference or if any questions arise after the work is complete.
For more information you can contact the Wisconsin BBB by CLICKING HERE or calling (1-800) 273-1002.
You can also follow Wisconsin BBB for more tips on protecting yourself from scams on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
