CONTRACTORS

MyGeneralContractor believes that a decision on a Contractor is an important one since buying a home is the largest investment most families ever make. We take this responsibility seriously. We encourage our customers to view other houses our contractors have built and to talk with our past customers. We are proud to provide references to assist you through our qualified and experienced contractors.

     Qualifying the Contractors

1. What is the contractor's street address?
Avoid contractors with only a post office box. If the contractor has an office stop in and visit. Shady contractors can close/setup a new office every 2 or 3 months. Avoid contractors who use telemarketing techniques to contact you. Often, they charge 100% above industry standard prices.

2. How long has the contractor been in business?
Do not confuse this question with how long a contractor has been a tradesman. An individual may have been a painter for 20 years, but have been in business for one month.

3. Does the contractor have the resources to complete the job as scheduled?
While you cannot expect the contractor to share his financial information with you, use your discretion to determine if you believe he can complete your job as schedule. Ask him.

4. Does the contractor have licenses and insurance?
Satisfactory answer to this question can have you avoid problems in the future. If your contractor is not properly licensed, your local inspections department may require the work be re-done by a licensed contractor at your expense.

5. Can the contractor provide you a list of references?
You will want to see a list of satisfied customers with, at minimum, telephone numbers. Make calling his references a major priority. Satisfied customers are probably the most important thing to consider when qualifying a contractor. Don't just get the references. CHECK THEM!

     Dealing with the Contractor

1. Does the contractor appear to be knowledgeable?
Ask your contractors questions about your project. Be sure the answers are to your satisfaction.

2. Does the contractor appear to have a genuine concern for your needs?
Voice your concerns. He should be willing to accommodate you. This is especially true when it comes to scheduling. Some jobs may require that you not occupy your home while work is in progress.

3. Can you communicate effectively with the contractor?
You should be able to speak comfortably and frank with your contractor. This is important to avoid conflicts and confrontations as the job progresses. Be sure you understand the difference between a proposed quote and a proposed estimate.

     Contractors Background Check

Screening Contractors / Handymen / Home Repair Workers  is one way you can protect yourself from unlicensed Contractors. Each year unlicensed Contractors cause major headaches for homeowners and state and local investigators. If the Contractor is not insured or his/her  insurance is not active you could face huge bills if a worker is injured on the job and chooses to sue. Your safety may be at stake if the Contractor has a criminal record. References do not always give a true picture as they can be biased. To save money and for your safety you can start by getting a thorough background check.

Screen Contractors, Background Check Reports provide you with.

Credentials of the Contractor
Status of his License.
Status of his Insurance.
Liens, Judgements and Bankruptcies Check
Any complaints filed against the Contractors
Any awards or Rumors
Basic State Criminal Record Search
20 Year Address History

According to the National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators (NACAA) and the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), Contractors garnered the second highest number of consumer complaints. Dealings with Contractors have been a sore point for consumers, whether because of a failure to use a written contract, abandonment or refusal to complete work, poor workmanship and non compliance with building code requirements

     Tips for Hiring a Contractor

1. Hire only licensed contractors. Verify the contractor's license number by calling the Board at 225-765-2301 or by searching the database via this website.

2 Shop around. Get at least three written bids or estimates from the Contractors..
3 Contact the Better Business Bureau to determine if there are any complaints against contractors under consideration.
4 Get at least three references and contact them to review workmanship.
5 Get a written contract from the contractor and read the fine print. Do not sign until you understand all terms completely.
6 Pay 10 % down or $ 1,000, whichever is less, if a deposit is required to the Contractor.
7 Do not pay for work which has not been completed. Keep records of payments.
8 Do not pay in cash.
9 Final payment should be withheld until work has been completed and deemed acceptable.
10 Obtain warranty information in writing from the contractor.
 

     Can Contractors hold your house hostage?

The number of Home Improvement projects in the U.S. has risen 25% in the past five years, according to Kermit Baker, director of the Remodeling Futures Program at Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies. That means Contractors are busier than ever — and because they're juggling so much work, you can pretty much expect that the schedule for completing your job will go out the window.