WARNING: THIS IS A LONG AND PERHAPS CONTROVERSIAL POST!
There was a Soo Today article posted Friday about an Elliot Lake woman who lost $20,000 to a contractor who skipped out on a job. If you haven't seen it, you should check it out. https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/elliot-lake-woman-loses-20k-after-contractor-ghosts-her-10429239
I don't know the particular details but we have all heard similar stories. There will always be a few bad apples that tarnish the reputation of our industry. In terms of having a bad reputation, the 'contractor' may be second only to the 'used car salesman.' The truth of the matter is however, that most contractors are hard working, honest, business people and for every story you hear of a homeowner getting 'scammed', I can share another story of a contractor getting 'burned'. It is important that both the homeowner and the contractor are protected.
So, what should you do, and expect, when looking to hire a contractor? Online you will find lots of opinions and advice (I've attached a link to one such article), but quite often the advice is contradictory and/or 'good in theory' only. Here are some of my recommendations:
1. Research, Research, Research -ask friends, family, and co-workers for recommendations. -go online and see what you can find. -go to your local hardware/building supply store and ask who they would recommend. - speak to the contractor and ask to see examples of work completed and speak to previous clients. - ask for proof of insurance and WSIB coverage.
2. Hire a Local, Well Established Company -if you have a problem, you want to know how and where you can contact your contractor. -this is why you should consider your local hardware/ building supply store's installation service. If you have a problem you know that you can speak to them.
3. Should I get three quotes? - in theory, this sounds great but the reality is that the Home Improvement industry is experiencing a labor shortage, and getting three quotes may be difficult. -one or two quotes may be ok, if you are dealing with a local, well established company, and the quote is within your budget.
4. Should I expect a written contract? - Yes! This contract should thoroughly describe the scope of work, what's included and what's not, and payment terms.
5. Should I expect to pay a deposit? - Yes! This deposit may be up to 50% of the contract, but if you have completed steps 1-4, you should be confident making the investment.
6. Plan ahead and expect to wait. - we all want our projects completed ASAP, but the good contractors (the one's you want) will be in high demand. There will be a reason why the 'guy that can start next week', is not busy. - Be wary.
7. You get what you pay for. - we all want to save money, but the cheapest price is usually not the best value in the long run. - be particularly wary, if you get one quote that is substantially lower than the rest. - if you're offered a 'cash deal' - RUN!
The above list is my opinion and by no means exhaustive. Home improvements can be a nightmare, but if you do your homework and find the right people for your team - they can be a lot of fun and very satisfying.
WARNING: THIS IS A LONG AND PERHAPS CONTROVERSIAL POST!
There was a Soo Today article posted Friday about an Elliot Lake woman who lost $20,000 to a contractor who skipped out on a job. If you haven't seen it, you should check it out. https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/elliot-lake-woman-loses-20k-after-contractor-ghosts-her-10429239
I don't know the particular details but we have all heard similar stories. There will always be a few bad apples that tarnish the reputation of our industry. In terms of having a bad reputation, the 'contractor' may be second only to the 'used car salesman.' The truth of the matter is however, that most contractors are hard working, honest, business people and for every story you hear of a homeowner getting 'scammed', I can share another story of a contractor getting 'burned'. It is important that both the homeowner and the contractor are protected.
So, what should you do, and expect, when looking to hire a contractor? Online you will find lots of opinions and advice (I've attached a link to one such article), but quite often the advice is contradictory and/or 'good in theory' only. Here are some of my recommendations:
1. Research, Research, Research
-ask friends, family, and co-workers for
recommendations.
-go online and see what you can find.
-go to your local hardware/building supply store and
ask who they would recommend.
- speak to the contractor and ask to see examples
of work completed and speak to previous clients.
- ask for proof of insurance and WSIB coverage.
2. Hire a Local, Well Established Company
-if you have a problem, you want to know how and
where you can contact your contractor.
-this is why you should consider your local hardware/
building supply store's installation service. If you
have a problem you know that you can speak to
them.
3. Should I get three quotes?
- in theory, this sounds great but the reality is that
the Home Improvement industry is experiencing a
labor shortage, and getting three quotes may be
difficult.
-one or two quotes may be ok, if you are dealing
with a local, well established company, and the
quote is within your budget.
4. Should I expect a written contract?
- Yes! This contract should thoroughly describe the
scope of work, what's included and what's not, and
payment terms.
5. Should I expect to pay a deposit?
- Yes! This deposit may be up to 50% of the contract,
but if you have completed steps 1-4, you should be
confident making the investment.
6. Plan ahead and expect to wait.
- we all want our projects completed ASAP, but
the good contractors (the one's you want) will
be in high demand. There will be a reason why
the 'guy that can start next week', is not busy. - Be
wary.
7. You get what you pay for.
- we all want to save money, but the cheapest price
is usually not the best value in the long run.
- be particularly wary, if you get one quote that is
substantially lower than the rest.
- if you're offered a 'cash deal' - RUN!
The above list is my opinion and by no means exhaustive. Home improvements can be a nightmare, but if you do your homework and find the right people for your team - they can be a lot of fun and very satisfying.