Handyman Service Cherry Hills: Tips from your
friendly neighborhood handyman: What
every homeowner should know before they hire a handyman service or contractor.
“I need a new roof installed in my
home and am concerned about the horror stories of homeowners being ripped off
by shoddy contractors, what is the best way to protect myself?”
- Jan S. Ann Arbor.
- Jan S. Ann Arbor.
Hi Jan, you are definitely on the
right track because it’s all about research. You have the right to be concerned
with any home improvement contractor. Currently, contractors are seven out of
the top twenty inquiries with the Better Business from January to August 2009.
I’ve being in the contracting world
for 17 years and wish more homeowners would begin as you are, by asking
questions. Too often I’ve seen homeowners sign a contract with a contractor
they found in the Yellow Pages with the largest ad or the first listing in
Google. Many of us have made the mistake of contracting with a company because
of the “nice salesman”, without further investigating the company and regretted
it.
Our homes are typically the largest
investment and we need to take time to ensure that we are hiring reputable home
improvement contractors. Otherwise we could be making repairs after the job is
completed, or overpaying or even worse ending up in court. There are many “good
guy” contractors who make an honest living by serving others and they are not
difficult to find, but we must take our time do our homework. Below are six
tips to help you find the best home improvement contractor.
1. Verify insurance. Workers
Compensation insurance protects you if a worker is injured on your property.
Liability Insurance protects you if any of your property is damaged. Call the
insurance company to ensure it is up to date and request to have your name on
the certificate. By having your name on the certificate, you will be notified
if the contractor cancel’s the policy during your project.
2. Get all estimates and warranties
in writing. All warranties and estimates must be detailed in writing. It will
help protect you as a consumer and avoid misunderstandings. Also, does the
estimate include labor and materials? Does the warrantee include labor and
materials? Verify how they handle change orders?
3. Check references. Talk with past
customers and ask them if they would use this contractor again? Does the
company stand behind their warranties? Do they show up on time? Would you refer
them to their friends and neighbors? What would be the one thing they should
improve? . . . Don’t hesitate to ask, most people are glad to help.
4. How long has the company been in
business? Warranties are as good as the company. If they are out of business,
in many cases so is your warranty.
5. Verify license. Check with your
state licensing department. If a license is applicable for your project, the
state may help protect you in case of faulty workmanship. If a permit is
needed, ensure the contractor picks it up, not the homeowner. Visit http://www.michigan.gov/statelicensesearch/
6. Multiple quotes. Get an estimate
from multiple contractors to ensure you are comparing apples with apples. Many
very low priced estimates do not include the entire project.
By asking these questions, it will
help you avoid being ripped off or over charged. Any reputable home improvementcompany will gladly provide you with the information in the aforementioned
list. If the contractor will not provide the information or are irritated by
your questions, it will help make your decision easier - Do Not Use Them. Most
home improvement contractors are “good guy’s”. Ask the right questions and you
will find them.
What’s on your to-do list? HandyPro Handyman Services offers affordable
solutions to a wide variety of home
repairs and maintenance projects.
They also offer senior home modification services including kitchen and bathroom
remodeling, stair lifts, wheelchair ramps, super strong grab bars, walk-in
tubs and showers and more. HandyPro
specializes in helping the homeowner, business or property manager have minor
repairs completed professionally, in a timely manner, and guarantees 100%
customer satisfaction.
Hiring
a Handyman, Senior home modification, wheelchair ramps, stair rails and
grab bars, stair lifts, kitchen and bathroom retrofitting, Carpentry, Plaster,
Drywall, Acoustic Ceilings, Grout tub, fix leaky faucet, home
warranty/maintenance, paint home, caulk bathtub, replace locks, garage doors,
cabinets, countertops, fix running toilet, repair squeaky door, install
molding, security services, stained glass, door repair/install, drywall repair,
painting, kitchen, insulation, concrete, masonry, repair
gutters, remove wallpaper, replace ceiling fan, caulk awning, siding
repair, install shelves, organizers, ceramic tile, window well covers, replace
bathroom fan, draperies, blinds, shades, glass, mirrors, decks,
and much more…just ask!