Contractor horror stories and how to avoid them

Contractor horror stories: Ask just about anyone that owns a home and they probably have one or know someone who does.

In fact, as I write this, a news story is playing about a flooring installer who murdered and robbed an elderly woman in Deltona. Investigators say the company that hired the installer never ran a background check on the career criminal who arrived at her home as a renovator, and left it as a heinous crime scene.

Truly an extreme example to use, but it highlights the importance of background checks and other steps you as a homeowner can take to safeguard your family and your pocket book.

Robbery and, in the aforementioned case, murder are not the only potential pitfalls of working with contractors, handymen and other various trades. They have access to your home, in some cases when you aren’t there, and can be responsible for projects that may cost you several thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars depending on the scale and scope of your home renovation remodel or extension.

Of course, it’s important not to group all of these professionals in the same category. Certainly there are outstanding tradesmen contractors and handymen out there. Many people have had extremely positive and lucrative results when improving their homes. I personally have had the pleasure of working with some consummate pros both in my new home sales days and in my general real estate career. Nonetheless, homeowners must be vigilant and aware, and protect their families as well as their dollars.

In my 10 years in the real estate business as well as my personal experiences as a homeowner, I’ve learned more than a little bit about this topic, and some of it the hard way. Here are a few of the most important things to implement and keep in mind when contracting with a home repair or renovation professional:

1) Get it in writing. This one sounds like a no brainer. However, we sometimes let our guards down when working with someone who was recommended to us or whom we know. Get all prices and tasks to be completed in writing and have both parties sign and acknowledge the scope of work and the cost. Oftentimes simple human error or forgetfulness can cause delays or surprise fees down the road. While not every project can be fully vetted ahead of time cost wise, generally speaking, you as a homeowner should be made aware of any potential add-ons money wise, as well as delays. It’s a good idea to ask for timeframes to be included in the scope or written estimate, and what results will occur on both sides if deadlines are not met.

2) Get the cost of materials added to your signed bid or quote. Unfortunately, while I thought I had this particular aspect fully covered in verbal discussions with some of the contractors I worked with in the past, I was surprised by fees related to costs, which were justified and necessary, just not disclosed to me. Again, a contractor may discover something not visible to the naked eye and need to utilize more or different materials. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask and get at least all of the known costs communicated to you, in writing, ahead of time.

3) Check references. If the professional whose services you are utilizing is already recommended to you by someone you know, then you may feel comfortable foregoing this step as they are already being vetted by someone you trust. Just be aware and go with your gut. If you are hiring someone from a website or print ad, it never hurts to Google their name, check with the Better Business Bureau and ask them to provide the names of customers for whom they have completed work for previously. It’s not rude, and a real pro won’t have a problem with it. While you’re at it, background checks can literally be a lifesaver.

4) Don’t pay in full until the work is complete. Whether you hold back a large portion of the balance until your home is completed per your agreement and to your satisfaction, or just the cost of the work not completed, never feel shy about asking a professional to finish the job before collecting their whole paycheck. I’ve heard it all, from I have to pay my workers, to having someone bring their child to a meeting and asking for more money ahead of schedule – the excuses for why they need the money now, even though the work isn’t done will never, ever run dry. So don’t be swayed by, pardon the expression, sob stories or declarations of financial need. These are not your problems or concerns. The same way you wouldn’t march a dependent into your boss’s office and ask to be paid in advance, or likewise ask for an early paycheck because, well you need it for XY and Z expense. The bottom line is you are paying for specific items and projects to be completed. Until they are done, don’t cough up the dough! At least not all of it anyway.

While these are some of the most important things you can do to ensure success in your home improvement endeavors, they aren’t the only ones. Don’t fear the renovation however! With research, a signed agreement and some resolve, you’re well on your way to home improvement success.

Good luck, and may all your home improvement dreams come true!