How to trust people we have to hire for projects in our home?
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Ask for references from previous jobs and then check them out in person. If they won't give you any then pass them by. Also, ask people that you know and trust for names of contractors who have done work for them. Also, check with your local authorities to ensure they have the proper licenses and insurance. Don't give them any money until you have signed a contract. Also check the legalities regarding payment and hold back terms. Make sure the contract sets out completion dates and who is responsible for damages, etc. If permits are needed, who is getting them and are they included in the cost. Are they using your garage/driveway for storage? Can they park on the street? If, at any time during the negotiations you are not comfortable with how things are going, or if they paint a too-rosy picture, walk away. Trust you instincts. Don't be rushed into signing anything. Take a couple of days to go over everything. Once you have signed make sure someone is in the house while they are working - at least for the first couple of days or a week to ensure things are going as planned. Don't be afraid to speak up if something doesn't seem to be right. Oh, and lock up your valuables.
check with the better business bureau. Ask for references. Never pay until the job is completed to you satis faction. Iโve had roofers wanting me to pay the full amount before they even started. I had already bought the shingles , they just needed installed. state that all work must pass inspections and meet currant city codes.
as far as them working inside the home....if you canโt be there donโt let them in.
Be very careful. Check there I.d's, check to make sure there license and ins. is active ...Most important ask for references
Ask them for references and check with the references to see if their work was up to par.
Absolutely check the Better Business Bureau for the company in several local cities online. For instance, I live in Mesquite, Texas, but I would check: Mesquite, Garland, Plano, Dallas, Dallas County, and any other area BBB mentioned about the company. Read the company's website, plus listings from Yelp, HomeAdvisors, and individuals. Make sure the company has liability insurance that covers your property and their employees. Being bonded in and licensed by your state is a must. Ask if your work will be done by a permanent crew (rare, in my experience) or a specific crew foreman who will be on site. Don't be pressured into any "today only" deal; don't write a check to an individual instead of a company; don't pay more than 1/2 of the price up front, and you can negotiate for paying less at a time; don't sign a final bill or pay it until an agreed upon list of final details has been Finished. If you can get a personal recommendation from a trusted friend, that's probably your best bet, with your due diligence. ๐๐
Get references! Ask your friends that have had the same work done. But always, be careful and be there when they are working.
HomeAdvisor.com. These professional people have been screened, background checked, if they need a license their checked for that also. If you need an electrician for example, he'll have a license in the state in which you live. If it's a big job always sign a contract that you agree with. Next, the contract should state, how many days it will take to do the project. Make sure those days are consecutive days. Last, only give a 1/3 or 1/2 of what the total job costs, and the remainder when the job is complete, and to your satisfaction.