Price Should not be the Primary Deal Breaker Before Choosing a Contractor
Posted By MyGuy
||
28-Sep-2011
There is more to a good deal than just low price, learn how to protect
yourself. It is that time of the year where we start thinking more about
taking care of our home and with the economy the way it is we want to
get the best deal possible. All too often people look at price as the
primary deal maker when choosing a contractor to do the job. This is not
the best indicator that you have gotten a deal.
You need to do some homework before you make that final decision. I would
like to share some tips that have helped me over the years to always come
out on top.
Remember this saying
"The excitement of low price is long forgotten once the quality of
the job comes through". There are many companies out there who are looking for those customers
who price shop everything. Now I am not saying don't get a second
opinion but do your homework and check out the companies who are bidding
your project. Here is what you need to know to protect yourself.
- Are they a licensed contractor?
- Check with the Arizona State Register of Contractors. Be sure the license
is still active. Be sure they have Liability insurance, Workers Comp.
insurance, and are bonded. This will protect you if someone gets hurt
or cannot finish the project.
- Check how long they have been in business. Do they drug test and verify
their employees.
- Ask what brand of products they will be using. If it is a painting project
make sure you get the Mfg. name, the product name and the quality of that
product. For example ask for 100% acrylic (the better product) verses
the Vinyl acrylic.
- Ask if they will be priming the house. Industry standards says, one prime
coat and one finish coat is better than two finish coats.
- Verify how they will apply the product and will they allow dry time between
coats. Always make sure that you get everything in writing.
- Don't take a quote verbally or on the back of a card. To do business
as a contractor in Arizona you have to have a license for any job that
is over $1,100.00 in total.
- They also are required to tell you if they are unlicensed. If you chose
to do business with an unlicensed contractor they many times ask for cash
or the check to be made out to them, this allows them to cheat the system,
it is illegal and it could hurt you in the long run. Who do you go to
if you have problems, how do you force them to come back and fix a problem?
The answer is you don't so you have to pay again to get the job done
right. Low price loses again.
Open Member Website in a new window?