4 minute read
Caveat Emptor: Let The Buyer Beware
By Julie Young, House and Home Writer
The sayings are endless: “Don’t ignore the warning signs,” “Look for the red flags” and “You get what you pay for.” No matter how it is phrased, it’s a variation of caveat emptor, or “Let the buyer beware.” So, when it comes to hiring a contractor for your next home improvement project, it’s essential to do your homework.
MEMBERS ONLY
Bob Penrose, executive officer of the Home Builders Association of St. Joseph Valley, said one way homeowners can feel confident is to hire contractors who are good-standing members of a professional association, such as a home builders association, the Better Business Bureau or a chamber of commerce. While an HBA does not prevent a company from joining, when a firm’s reputation is sullied repeatedly due to poor practice, it is certainly discouraged from renewing its membership.
“Hiring an HBA member doesn’t give you any kind of legal protection per se, but we represent companies that have good reputations, and those companies are keenly interested in keeping those reputations intact,” he said. “We do get complaint calls on occasion, but more often than not, it is regarding a nonmember and not something that we can help with.”
GREAT TIMING
Another warning sign to watch for is the contractor who can start right away, promises the moon and demands the entire payment upfront. Spring is a very busy time for contractors and most firms are scheduled several weeks out. While it may be tempting to hire a company that is willing to start immediately, homeowners need to ask why the company has plenty of time on its hands.
“You also want to be very wary of someone who offers to build you a deck or other structure for an incredibly low price,” said Penrose. “Lumber and other building materials have almost tripled in the last year, so you need to be aware that a low price does not mean that you are getting an incredible bargain.”
CAREFULLY CONSIDER BIDS
Kim McKibbin, executive officer of the Builders Association of North Central Indiana, said, “Rather than selecting a remodeler based on where one bid falls compared to others, shift your focus to finding a professional remodeler; then go about getting a bid on your job. If the bid is higher than what you budgeted, work with the remodeler to decide where you can cut back or what you can postpone to keep the project on budget.
As an example, she noted a remodeler could frame in a fireplace, which would then be installed later. “He can’t upgrade the company’s customer service if there wasn’t any to begin with.”
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Above all, do your research on the company so you can feel confident going forward. McKibbin recommends evaluating a professional’s experience, reputation and business credentials.
“Ask to see a copy of the remodeler’s license,” McKibbin advised. “Call the licensing agency to find out if there are any unresolved complaints against the company you hire. It is also important to verify the remodeler carries workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Have the remodeler show you copies of both insurance certificates to protect yourself from liability in situations involving job site injuries or property damage resulting from the work being done on your home.”
If the contractor comes recommended from a trusted friend, it’s most likely going to be a positive experience with few hiccups along the way. If you have found the contractor on your own, be sure to ask for references and read online reviews to give you a sense of the entity you plan to work with.
“Don’t be afraid to ask about any negative reviews you see and always remember that there may be more to the story than the reviewer includes,” Penrose said. “However, I still maintain that the best reference is the word of a trusted friend. If you do your homework, plan ahead and have reasonable expectations, you should have a good experience.” n
RESOURCES:
Builders Association of Elkhart County, Elkhart, 574-293-0997, www.baec.com Builders Association of North Central Indiana, Warsaw, 574-267-6125, www.buildnci.com Home Builders Association of St. Joseph Valley, Mishawaka, 574-258-0411, www.hbasjv.com
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