Avoiding Home Improvement Rip-Off Artists
By David Moore, President of Garden State Brickface
Home remodeling is a large money business where rip-off artists can prey on unsuspecting homeowners.
To help homeowners avoid rip-off artists, Garden State Brickface in Roselle suggests these tips to ensure that home improvements go as planned.
A good looking business card shouldn't even get a contractor in the door. Over 30 states, including New Jersey and New York, require contractors to be licensed.
Besides a license, ask for references of recent customers and see if a prospective contractor is a member of any reputable building association like the National Association of the remodeling Industry (NARI) in Virginia.
While lack of association membership doesn't mean that the contractor isn't professional, membership does reinforce his or her credibility. A phone call to an association like NARI can provide a list of reputable contractors in the area.
Everyone would like to save money. If a contractor provides a price far lower than the competition it should raise a few questions.
A contractor working for a low price usually needs to make up money elsewhere and that usually means cheaper material or unskilled labor.
Besides a license, ask for references of recent customers and see if a prospective contractor is a member of any reputable building association like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) in Virginia.
In the worst case it can mean that the contractor isn't properly insured or doesn't fully understand renovation plans.
Make sure the contractor clearly spells out what is to be done, what material types will be used, he or she shows sample work, and writes a clear and complete contract.
Before any work starts make sure you have the contract, that is understandable, and signed for the job. If the contract looks like it was drawn up by an amateur, be wary of this contractor's ability to perform.
A contract should include a complete job description, supplies to be used, payment schedule and start-up and completion dates. Its usually a good idea to pay no more than a third of the job up front and then designate specific goals for the project with the payment schedule. Make sure you're satisfied before making the final payment.
A contractor may be delayed by the weather, waiting for permits or damage to the property, like termites, but once the job begins it should proceed to your satisfaction without any long delay. The best way to ensure this kind of relationship is to include in the contract a timer period within which the job is expected to be completed.
