Buyer Beware at Your Business and HomeAfter the recent hail storms roofing contractors and car dent repair shops have popped up everywhere around town. Please remember to keep these few things in mind, provided by Anthony Cruz, partner and manager of Restoration Pro's LLC., before accepting a bid: If you ask your contractor these simple questions you can drastically reduce your exposure to making a bad decision. Let me begin by listing a few facts and answering a few questions: Q: Is obtaining three estimates absolutely necessary to get a fair price? A: Within the insurance industry prices are set by either zip code, region, or by a third party. As Contractors we buy job materials from the same core of vendors and in the insurance industry the contractor is paid on the invoice presented, simply being the low bidder doesn't play a factor on a claim. Q: Is my contractor licensed for my area? A: You can obtain this answer by simply calling your local building inspection department. Q: How much liability insurance should my contractor have? A: Your contractor should have an adequate amount of insurance that compares to the replacement value of your home if a disaster occurs. Ex: If you have a 200,000 home and your contractor carries only a 100,000 policy, you could be responsible for the difference. Q: What if my contractor doesn't carry workman's compensation insurance? A: Not carrying workman's compensation insurance as an employer is not only against the law but if a worker is injured while repairing your home you could be left paying for their injuries. Be sure to request a copy of the insurance, check the date of expiration, and call the insurance carrier to verify status. Q: My contractor would like a deposit? A: It is acceptable for a contractor to request a deposit but should be considered for only the price of the materials and only after those materials have been delivered. For projects that last over a period of more than two weeks it is also standard and common practice for a contractor to ask for a reasonable draw from the total invoice. If still undecided, ask for a reference list, referrals from previous customers, or call your local chamber of commerce & ask for a referral of its membership, or call the Better Business Bureau. Many associations require certain criteria to be fulfilled to become a member. Any type of work performed for you, the homeowner, is subject to permits and inspections. You should never be asked to provide either. A reputable company should welcome and provide these needed requirements. These business practices should be standard with any company you consider hiring. The Garden City Area Chamber of Commerce is working for you! Here is a list of our chamber member contractors and dent repair specialist:
Contractors:
Dent Repair Specialist: Please call the Chamber is you have any questions at 276-3264 or email chamber@gcnet.com |
Last Updated: 03-Hune-08
©2007 Hubris Communications