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Every home owner faces the problem of hiring somebody to do repair work around the house. Too often the experience is an unhappy one. The work may not start when it's supposed to - or take longer than expected. Instructions may be misunderstood or not followed correctly. Occasionally the wrong materials are used - or the work is done badly. The final price may turn out to be much higher than the original estimate. Sometimes there is a problem getting the contractor to come back and finish the last few "minor" details. Or worse - he gets into financial difficulties and leaves a partly finished job. Very few home improvement jobs turn out as badly as this - and not all such problems are the contractors fault/ But problems of some kind between contractor and homeowner are not uncommon. Finding a Contractor Before you start - make sure you know exactly what you want done. Discuss the project - make notes of all the points that come up and take the time to write down a complete description of the work you want. Satisfied customers are the best recommendation for a contractor. Local building supply and hardware stores may also be able to suggest a good contractor. Some of the larger stores do home improvement contract work themselves and back it up with the same consumer service they apply to their retail sales. You may also be able to get names of reliable contractors through your local home builders association - municipal licensing offices - building departments and housing rehabilitation agencies. Try to find firms that have been in business in your area for a number of years. If you contact a firm you don't know - or no one has recommended - ask for their business license number and how long they have had it. Check with the local licensing office. Find out if they carry public liability and property damage insurance. Ask for the name of the insurance company and call them to verify that the policies are in force. Ask for the names of customers in your area. Call and see them. But make sure they are not relatives or business associates of the contractor. Phone your local Better Business Bureau. Getting Bids You should find at least two - but preferably three - contractors to bid on your work. Ask the contractor or his representative to drop around and estimate the job. Do not sign or pay anything - on this first visit. When comparing bids make sure they cover the same work and materials or that proper allowance has been made for any differences. The lowest bid is not necessarily the best. An unusually low bid may simply mean that the contractor has made a mistake - or does not know enough about the work to estimate it properly. When he find out he is going to lose money he will look for ways to cut costs or add unjustified extras to the bill. The Contract The contract is a legal document that is binding on both parties once they have signed it. Do not sign anything until you have read it carefully - understand what it says - and are satisfied that it describes exactly you want and contains everything you have been promised. If not - insist that it be written into the contract and initialed. Assurances that are not in writing are not binding. How to handle problem with your contractor If you have a disagreement with your contractor - the first rule is "be reasonable". Go over the contract with him calmly and listen carefully to what he has to say. He may be right. If you are still dissatisfied seek another opinion before taking action - from your rehab representative or a knowledgeable friend - or - if serious enough - from your solicitor. Poor workmanship and unsatisfactory business practices can be reported to the government department from which the contractor obtained his business license. This office will take whatever action it deems necessary. If you think some of the work is not up to local or CHMC building standard - report it in writing to the appropriate inspection department. If it doesn't meet with the code requirements the contractor will have to correct it at his own expense. Preventive Tips Beware of contractors: 1. Who knock on the door to tell you they happen to be doing some work in the area and give you a special price. |
| 2.Who promise a discount if you allow them to use your home "to advertise our work". The same offer will have been made to everyone. |
| 3. Who quote a price without seeing the job. |
| 4. Who demand a large down payment "to buy materials". All reputable contractors maintain charge accounts with their suppliers. |
| 5. Who refuse to give you written contract specifying exactly what they say they will do. |
| 6. Whose only address is a post office box, a telephone number or address of their answering machine. |
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Excerpts from "How to Hire a Contractor" Available from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation |
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Who To Contact Better Business Bureau |