Why Should You Be Wary of Contractors With Deals That Are “Too Good To Be True”?
I have worked in Real Estate in some form or other for the past 12 years. From working for an agent to becoming one myself to a title insurance company and for the last 6 a construction company, I’ve pretty much done it all. Never in that 12 years have I seen as many headlines about bad contractors as I have in the past few months.
Over the past 2 months I’ve seen news stories on contractors who have been charged with defrauding clients, performing work without proper licenses, indecent exposure, rape and even murder. It’s no wonder that clients are so hesitant to trust anyone these days. As a Mom, I’m terrified too!
This is why it is so important to do a background check on not just the contractor that you choose for your project, but also those that you invite into your home for an estimate. Simply because someone paid to run an ad, has a website or business card, or even has a vehicle with a company logo and name on it doesn’t make them reputable. By doing a few simple things you can be more at ease with the people you are inviting into your home. There are several simple things that you can do to ensure that you are working with a reputable company. The following are a few tips that will help you find the right Contractor for your project and help keep your family and belongings safe in the process:
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Hire only licensed contractors and ask to see the license.
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Verify the contractor’s license by checking online at www.cslb.ca.gov or via automated phone service at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).
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Check references and get a written contract.
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Find out how long a contractor has been in business. The longer they’ve been in business, the more of a reputation they have to uphold.
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Be wary of any contractor who asks you to pay with cash.
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Always check the Better Business Bureau. This will list any formal complaints filed against the company and how they were resolved.
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Keep in mind that if it seems too good to be true, it most likely is. A contractor who is offering the same work for a much lower price than other estimates is most likely having difficulties with their business, lacking in qualified help, using low quality materials, or cutting important corners such as permitting and correct planning. Low initial estimates can also lead to excessive and costly change orders down the road. While getting a great deal is a good thing, keep in mind that that so-called “great deal” may cost you much more in the long run.
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Be especially hesitant when approached by someone offering home improvement services door-to-door, especially when they offer to use materials that they claim are leftover from another project.
The current economy has hurt many businesses in the past year and the construction industry is no exception. As the saying goes “desperate times call for desperate measures” and, unfortunately, there are people out there who take this to extreme. Many businesses are cutting corners by using low quality materials, hiring unqualified workers, allowing licenses and insurance to expire or be cancelled, working without proper permits, and, in some cases, simply taking the money and running without completing the work. Whether you choose Burgin Construction or another Contractor, please do your homework and make sure that you are working with a reputable company. You’ll not only save money; you’ll also save a lot of time and trouble and keep your family out of harm’s way.
If you’d like more information on Burgin Construction’s bidding, planning or construction processes or our license and insurance information please give us a call at 714-558-1094 or fill out our online form by clicking here.
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