A successful home project greatly relies on what your contractor can offer. While you'd like to believe that most people are good, we still hear stories about undependable and unscrupulous contractors.
To ensure that you don't end up with a hole in your wall, a depleted bank account, and a court date, here are 5 ways to ensure that you don't get screwed by your contractor according to Realty Times:
Do your research
You only want a qualified and trustworthy contractor; but with how things are going these days, it's not that hard to end up in the hands of one who takes a bite of more than they can chew.
Research, research, research. Angie's is one of the tools available that you can use to know more about a certain contractor before you consider hiring them. But if you want personal referral, friends and family are the best people to ask.
Trust your gut
Believe in what your gut tells you; for some reason, it is almost always right. If your contractor belittles your opinion on ongoing projects, better turn up your radar and know when someone is no longer fit to do the job.
Demand respect for your time
We all get late, but if you had to be the one waiting for your first ever meeting with this certain contractor, consider getting the next guy in the door. Take hint when they don't even call to make you understand why they were late.
Negotiate up front
"Your contractor shouldn't ask for an unreasonable sum of money up front. Yes, he needs money to get the project started, but asking for more than 15 percent raises a red flag," said How Stuff Works. "Your contractor should have enough credit to pay the rest of the up-front costs."
Documentation
Documentation won't only keep things organized, but you'd save yourself from possible future trouble. "Document each time the contractor doesn't live up to the specifics of the contract, such as substituting inferior materials or failing to stick to the schedule," said House Logic. "Then send a return-receipt letter to her business and home address stating that unless the problem is rectified within a specified number of days, she's in breach of contract, and you'll be terminating it."
