13 signs you’re about to hire a dodgy tradie

You’re off to a great start finding a tradesman after searching on a popular home service online directory.

A few are matched with your project and the calls start coming – from one contractor with the same voicemail recording several times in one hour.

That’s persistent but also a sign the company is desperate for business says Michael Bordes, president, US-based AA Jedson Company, LLC.

Still, the tradesman has great reviews so you set up a time to get an estimate.

Then the tradie arrives two hours late and offers no apologies for the tardiness.

“Punctuality in the construction business is extremely important and should be the main precedence on how your relationship begins with the client,” says Bordes.

When hiring someone you need to check that each tradie you hire is properly qualified and has a current licence, and draw up a contract so you both understand the work conditions and expectations of the project.

“We got ya covered,” may seem like a reassuring comment but when you have legitimate concerns or questions that get dismissed for a padded answer like this, it should give you pause.

Communication should be two-ways, says US-based tradesman and radio host Adam Helfman of Hire it Done.

“If your contractor is dismissing your concerns and not fully listening to you before the project even begins, what will the communication be like if an issue comes up during the project? It is important for the homeowner and contractor to have a good working relationship and be solution minded when and if issues arise.”

Life’s tough when you are renovating – Here’s how to get through a renovation without getting a divorce.

Short and sweet is usually a good thing but not when it comes to a contract for home improvement.

“Paint cabinets, install new sink and dishwasher,” isn’t detailed enough to cover the scope of a project and according to Bordes.

“Every valid tradie should provide a licence number, proper insurance, and enough verbiage in a contract or proposal that will detail what the clients’ needs are, the exact costs, payment schedule, and all items that are not included so the client has specific clarity and understanding of what to expect via a valid contract,” notes Bordes.

Many disaster stories are linked to bad contracts and homeowners locked into agreements they can’t get out of. You need to read up on the 10 rules of renovation.

“As a homeowner, you can’t possibly think of every contingency or item that should be on the scope of work,” says Helfman.

There’s a myriad of details you may overlook or just assume the tradieis taking care of. For example, you may assume the tradie will remove all the demo debris or assume new light bulbs are included with the new recessed lights.

If this is addressed before the project, there is less chance for conflict and miscommunication.

“Good tradies have experience in jobs similar to the one you are hiring them for and should be much more familiar with potential friction points,” says Helfman.

Need some demolition work done? Tearing out a wall or taking a jackhammer to concrete can be great for stress relief, and doing this labour-intensive work yourself can save you a lot of money, too.

To be fair, there are reputable tradies new to the business, but according to Helfman, it’s common practice for bad tradies in residential home improvement to shut down when they’re involved in multiple lawsuits and start again under a new name.

“It’s then back to business as usual, doing substandard work, or outright ripping people off,” says Helfman.

Be vigilant when vetting these new tradies with less than three years experience. Ask for references and follow up on them.

It’s certainly a plus if the finished product looks amazing, but make sure to inquire about the process and customer service when you chat with previous clients.

You really need to spend time planning your renovation to keep budgets in check and maximise resale value.

“High-pressure tactics are not necessary in today’s market. There are plenty of service providers out there who will love your project,” says Helfman.

Yet, some will put doubts in your head that your project is difficult and that they are one of the few tradies that will take it on.

Or they may tell you this is a busy season for tradies and you should lock in your project with them because they can get it done right away.

If you waver and the salesperson steps outside to call his manager, Helfman says to “shut the door behind them.” You don’t always need a pro.

Renovating to sell? Spend time and money where it counts on DIY projects to increase profit.

“This means that they do not have enough cash flow to handle the project, or they are using your deposit to fund parts of a different project,” warns Helfman.

“There are some exceptions, such as when there are large upfront materials costs, but the contractor should be transparent about the request and not defensive about it at all.”

Chances are your cash flow will be even tighter and you shouldn’t have to draw agaisnt your mortgage to free up the cash.

Certification by a manufacturer typically provides an extra layer of warranty protection and means the contractor and his team have invested time and money to be certified in trades like roofing, siding, and HVAC.

However, not all trades have manufacturer certifications.

“In those cases, look for tradies who are active in your local community or in their respective trade organisations, and understand the value of a good rating with the BBB,” advises Helfman.

Send an email to the organisation to inquire about the criteria necessary for a tradie to be in “good standing” and if they are active in the organisation.

A well-liked handyman in your neighborhood may have a glowing reputation, but if he/she isn’t licenced, you won’t be protected from fraudulent activities.

“A licence would come from a local municipality or city and that licence would normally indicate that the specific contractor has valid insurance and a record of past successful projects. Providing a physical license at initial meeting will help the owner from the onset of knowing they are dealing with a valid tradie,” says Bordes.

While every tradie doesn’t need to be bonded, Bordes says every contractor needs to be insured.

A spot of paint on the floor or a nick in the drywall isn’t catastrophic but if the contractor accidentally causes property damage or bodily injury to you, it becomes a liability nightmare.

Be sure to request the most recent certificate of insurance from the contractor before you hire.