Watch Out For These Warning Signs While You Find a Contractor

If you want to find a contractor, you need to know as much about what to avoid as you do what to look for. Both concepts are equally important to any homeowner who doesn't want to get scammed. Are there more scam artists in the contracting community than in other lines of work? Perhaps. Perhaps not. But the fact is that you don't only need to worry about those companies who should be shut down by the authorities. You also need to worry about those who might be operating within the confines of the law, but have anything but the customer's best interest at heart when they take on a job. Here are some of the warning signs that should raise your alerts.

Undue Pressure

If you're trying to find a contractor, one of the best things you can do is to take your time and conduct a long, leisurely search. Of course, those companies who don't have confidence in their own service won't want you to take that search beyond themselves. If possible, they will want your name on a contract before they leave the premises, and they will often use scare tactics to get what they want. For instance, they may take a look at your driveway—admittedly in need of repair—and begin telling you all of the horrible things that could happen if you don't get it fixed immediately. A good company will be more laid back. They will be interested in saving a potential customer money—not taking it at every opportunity.

Instant Quotes

One thing you'll realize as you attempt to find a contractor for a big job is that most companies are hesitant to give you a quote without all of the information. They will do it, as this is how many customers determine whom they will choose to hire, but they will take their time and cover it with a strong caveat that it could change. What you don't want to see is someone who glances at a big job and instantly quotes you a price. Even someone who has been in the business a long time will need to do some calculations before providing you with a realistic estimate. They may be able to offer you an off-hand guess, but this isn't how an official quote should be handled.

No Referrals

This is one that many companies get away with, as it sounds reasonable to homeowners who want their own privacy protected. When asked for a referral, the company will simply say they respect their customers' confidence and thus don't give out their information. While seemingly commendable, this doesn't give you anything to work with. Insist on at least three references before making a hire.