Eight Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring A Contractor

Finding a contractor you trust can be a challenge. That's why I've prepared this report - so you know the questions to ask and the answers to look for in order to find a contractor that is worthy of your business.

As anyone who has any experience will tell you, finding the right contractor for your project entails more than just finding the lowest price. Less tangible items, like your ability to communicate and feel comfortable working with your contractor, will inevitably prove to be much more important in determining your eventual satisfaction with the job, particularly if it's a large project - like a sunroom or patio cover.

1. Make sure the contractor is properly licensed.

Ask the company to provide a copy of their license. It is important that you verify the license is in good standing. A license is not an endorsement of the quality of work. It provides some financial protection for you, the customer. You can verify any contractor's license standing on the internet at www.cslb.ca.gov. Click on the Consumers link, and choose the link to search the Contractors Licenses.

2. Make sure the contractor is properly insured.

Ask your contractor for a copy of his proof of liability insurance and bonding or the name and number of his insurance agent. Call to verify proof of coverage. Confirm that the contractor is carrying Workers Compensation and General Liability Insurance . Ask to have the insurance carrier send you a copy before work begins. Never accept copies handed over by the contractor himself.

3. Make sure the company has been in business for more than 5 years.

Most contractors go out of business within the first two years of beginning their company. A strong foundation for a contractor is not less than five years of experience.

4. Finalize the contract before starting the project.

A good contract.

• Should be written on company letterhead.
• Should contain the company's name, address, phone numbers, and license number.
• Should contain the customer's name, address (where work will be performed), and phone numbers.
• Is dated when it is written.
• Includes a detailed description of the work that is going to be performed.
• Includes and installation time period.
• Provides a payment schedule
• Clearly states whether permit(s) will be filed and who will be responsible for filing them.
• State law allows contractors to accept only 10% or $1000 for the initial deposit of the project.

5. Don't automatically accept the lowest bid.

The old saying "you get what you pay for" applies here. A higher bid is usually worth the price in better materials, workmanship, and reliability. A large number of complaints filed against contractors are the result of homeowners taking the lowest bid and ultimately being unhappy with the quality of work.

Even when the contractor promises to do the same job, be cautions - often contractors will "underbid" a job unrealistically just to get it . When the work takes longer than originally planned, the contractor can feel "squeezed" by the budget and try and cut corners.

6. Have the contractor fully explain his "change order" policy.

With respect to change orders, it is reasonable for you to pay more if you choose to change aspects of the project. The contractor has the right to charge you for the change, if there is a difference in the cost. Discuss each change as they occur: How will price and schedules be affected? Document all changes, also known as addendums, to the contract. Makes sure all addendums to the original contract, no matter how small, are written and signed off by both parties.

7. Only pay the final payment once you are satisfied with the completed project.

Don't pay in full until the project is completely finished and you have completed your final inspection. For larger projects, don't make the final payment until you have passed the final building inspection . Also, avoid making your payments in cash. All payments should be made payable to the company name - if a salesperson asks you to make a check to him personally, that's a sure sign of trouble!

8. Most importantly..

Do you trust this company to work on you home? When it comes down to it, the most important thing is to trust your own gut instinct. How do you feel about this contractor working on what is probably your single largest investment - your home? Do you trust this company in your home? Around your children? Can you communicate well with this company? Are they "in-tune" with your needs? How have others felt about working with them?

A good way to determine your trust of this company is to check with outside sources, like the California State License Board, the Better Business Bureau, and the Diamond Certified organization. These businesses are in place to make sure that consumers given the best possible service they can receive from a company. Their websites are: www.cslb.ca.gov , www.goldengatebbb.org, and www.diamondcertified.org.

I sincerely wish you the best of luck with your remodeling project - no matter who you choose to work with. Of course, I hope you give Amcon Sunrooms, Inc. an opportunity to provide you with a FREE CONSULTATION & ESTIMATE. Remember, there is no obligation to you.

Jeffrey Bondoc - President and CEO

Amcon Sunrooms, Inc.