Helpful Tips

• Call your local builders association (click here for contact information) for a list of its members. If you need a phone number for your local builders association check your telephone book or call PBA at (800) 692-7339.
• Ask if the contractor is a member of a builders association.
• Take your time. Most problems occur when consumers fail to investigate contractors carefully before hiring them.
• Ask for an insurance certificate to verify current workers' compensation and general liability insurance.
• Ask for references. Talk with others who have had work done by the contractor about the company's capabilities and quality of workmanship.
• Make sure the contractor has a permanent business location and a good reputation with local banks and suppliers.
• Incorporate any warranties, guarantees or other promises in your written contract. Always insist on a written contract and written change orders.
• Be specific about starting and completion dates. Some delays are unavoidable and beyond the contractor's control.
• Beware of an unusually low bid or low advertised price. If a contractor cannot pay for labor, materials and overhead, you are both in trouble.
• Select a contractor you are comfortable with--one who understands your tastes and needs and with whom you can communicate easily.

• You cannot verify the name, address and telephone number or credentials of the contractor.
• The salesperson tries to "high pressure" you into signing a contract by using scare tactics, threats or intimidation.
• Although reputable builders sometimes offer special discounts for advertising purposes, watch out for contractors who offer unusually low prices in exchange for advertising. Protect yourself by asking the contractor for a list of previous clients who also had been offered the special rate in exchange for advertising considerations.
• Call the references and ask them if they received the promised quality workmanship and special rate.
• The contractor does not comply with your request for references or the references have some reservation about the contractor.
• You are unable to verify that the contractor is insured.

• Is responsible for all phases of the job from start to finish—planning, design, labor, materials and scheduling.
• Coordinates all work to avoid costly and inconvenient delays.
• Obtains high quality materials and labor, sometimes at lower prices than you would pay because of volume and knowledge of the marketplace.
• Performs work according to specifications, hires competent workers and subcontractors and knows what products provide lasting satisfaction.
• Is familiar with design options, building codes and construction practices. Make sure that your contractor is building to meet or exceed the Uniform Construction Code standards.
• Obtains all necessary permits; arranges for required inspections; complies with social security, workers’ compensation and other local, state and national regulations that protect the consumer. Without a reputable contractor working on your behalf, you would have to assume these responsibilities and financial obligations.

• Designate one person to be the contactwith the contractor, keep informed of the job’s progress and answer questions as they arise.
• Make changes to the original contract in writing and specify cost. Verbal change orders can be very costly, cause delays and create misunderstandings.
• Plan your project carefully to avoid unnecessary delays.

• Quality and quantity of materials.
• Styles and brand names of products.
• A firm price for the work and a payment schedule and whether there is a cancellation penalty.
• Any items of work that will not be performed by the contractor. Read your contract carefully and don’t be afraid to ask questions.