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Dealing With Contractor Disputes
from:There are many factors to consider when doing home improvements with a professional contractor. They are to be licensed in the home improvement they are doing. They are also required to have liability insurance for all of their projects and employees. Here are several factors that are warning signs that should cause the homeowner to be alert when they experience any of the following issues.
When a contractor states you do not need a contract. Professional contractors always have contracts to guarantee work and to state all the work to be completed. If a contractor states they do not use contracts, they generally have reasons to avoid a legal binding contract. They are to be avoided at all costs. The homeowner will not have any legal contract to use if the work is not completed as agreed so it is necessary to have a contract with all home improvements.
When a contractor does not provide details to the job to be completed, they should be questioned. The homeowner needs to know every aspect of the home improvement. This allows the homeowner to know what is going to be done and the length of estimated time the project will take. It is also helps to know what is going to be done with the old materials of the home just in case the contractor fails to remove the old material and the homeowner becomes responsible occurring additional costs they did not count on paying for the removal.
When the contractor starts asking for money prior to the work being completed, be wary. Some contractors will ask for a retainer yet generally the work should not be paid for until it is completed and the homeowner is completely satisfied with all the work. If the contractor keeps asking for money during the project, it is a sure sign of their financial instability.
A bad thing for the homeowner to do to the contractor is to keep asking for little extras to be added to the project. It is nice to have the little extras but any changes need to be in writing and agreed upon by both parties since it can cost more for the project.
It is never good to have the unexpected happen with a home improvement project. Make sure the contract states all of the improvements to be made. If there are any changes to the original contract, then an addendum needs to be made for the revisions. Both parties need to agree to the changes and sign they agree to all changes.
When the contractor or homeowner is a bully is never a good sign for the relationship over the home improvements. For either party, both need to be able to communicate clearly and rationally. Never is there to be the bullying tactics used by either party.
It is a very bad sign when the contractor’s price is lower than the original quote. Some contractors will take short cuts to save money or make a higher profit on the job. Ask to see all the material billings if you suspect the contractor is being dishonest.
Be cautious of the contractor that has several projects going at one time. They may not be dedicated, as they should be causing delays or short cuts to be taken with your home improvement. Ask about other projects the contractor is doing at the time of your project. Also, inquire about the different sizes of their past projects so you have the assurance you are not asking them to do more than they can handle with your project.
Always keep the contract on the project for legal reasons. The contract is legal and binding. It is your insurance policy on the home improvement and the work performed. Protect yourself by having a contract that states all of the work the contractor is to do for you.
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