How to Weed Out Undesirable General Contractors?

Answer 1

Homeowners have certainly all heard their share of Horror stories regarding the use of general contractors for various home improvement projects, but the simple fact of the matter is that it is virtually impossible for most individuals to adequately manage their renovation without professional assistance. As is true in many other fields, a few bad apples have successfully given general contractors as a whole a bad reputation. Plenty of reputable professionals do exist, but consumers need to understand how to weed out the undesirables.

Almost every state has some type of licensing exam that general contractors must pass, and homeowners should not be afraid to ask for proof of a valid license. In addition to a GC license, reputable professionals must also carry the appropriate business licenses. An individual that attempts to conduct business illegally will seldom take the time to obtain the correct permits and could place a consumer in potential danger.

All general contractors must carry an acceptable amount of liability insurance, and consumers need to ask for proof of coverage. Few people realize that they can be held legally and financially responsible for any accidents that occur on their property. A simple mistake could end up costing thousands and thousands of dollars, so it pays to check before any work ever begins.

Word of mouth advertising can either be very beneficial to a service provider, or it can alert other potential customers of possible negative issues that could arise. Consumers should never hesitate to ask for referrals and be sure to check out any past completed work. Most satisfied clients will be more than willing to share their experience, and some information can even be found by looking for online reviews. It is also never a bad idea to check out the local Better Business Bureau to make sure that no unresolved complaints are outstanding.

Most consumers are fairly reluctant to ask difficult questions because they believe that the general contractors will be insulted, but it is important to note that reputable professionals often carry proof of license and insurance with them at all times.