These are the real signs you should look for before you sign on the dotted line.
1. They give a bad first impression
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.
2. You’re being dismissed
“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.”
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3. The contract is vague
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.
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