Posted on July 31, 2009 - by Janet Smith

CarFax for Contractors? Why Homeowners Need more than Referrals

 
 Most people have no time to vet contractors and just want to get the job done right the first time.  Gone are the days when everyone knew the best plumber and builder by name. For many people, finding a good local business quickly is part of everyday life.  Consider that your best friends cousin’s ex-wife and that online recommendation from a person you don’t know may have great intentions, but may not really know details, here’s why:

The devil is in the details…

 
SuperPages SUPERGUARANTEE SM PROGRAM Terms and Conditions – Excerpt Effective February 17, 2009 Parent company filed chapter 11:  3/31/09
…..”No Pre-Screening or Endorsement of SuperGuarantee Service Providers. We have not checked, prescreened or otherwise selected, and we do not endorse or recommend the services of, any SuperGuarantee Service Provider…”

Sites to protect consumers are out of sync…

 
It’s no one’s job to make sure the licensing board, the BBB, the attorney general, consumer affairs etc are all in sync and up to date.  You may miss an exposing article in the newspaper and not realize that the company has had legal issues.  Newspapers writers don’t have time to reflect their stories on sites consumers review – they are on to the next story.  Next post: the Scary Truth.

Be Safe…

 
You need to have the utmost confidence that the contractor coming into your home or on your property, i.e., seeing how and where you live is professional, licensed, insured, and competent with an excellent track record of installation and service.  Your best friend’s cousin’s ex-wife and that online recommendation from a person you don’t know may have great intentions, but may not really know details.  BE SURE.

Honey do?  Or No, honey please don’t!   It’s not as easy as it looks.

 
Today’s simplest repairs often lead to more complicated projects. Be honest.  Is your honey going to fix this problem right the first time?  The home repair and improvement industry has absolutely boomed with options and every watcha macallit has a different connector, installation instruction and maintenance plan.  Evaluate the complexity, time and expense of a do-it-yourself project before heading for the tool box.
 

You get what you pay for..

 
The best in class contractors hire, train and retain the top talent. You are paying for a competent, service-oriented, technically qualified workforce, including a drug free environment, continuing education, licensing, insurance, reliability and a service department that responds. Quality contractors report that half their work comes from fixing low bidder disasters.  Sure, that other guy is cheaper, but only in the short run. Service happens before during and after the job is complete.

Right, the first time…

The cost of shoddy work is often not the contract price, it’s the time investment.  Time and aggravation chasing down the low bidder can waste hours/days; and then you need to pay someone to fix it. With reputable businesses, products are delivered, installed, tested warranted and serviced.   Permits are issued, services are completed, and inspections are passed.   It’s a beautiful thing.
 
 

Get educated…

 
A ‘best in class’ small business owner is on top of market trends and innovations so customers benefit from new, state-of-the-art products, technologies and concepts.  Discuss options with an expert.  Listen.  He may suggest better, faster, cheaper options that never dawned on you.
 
 

Green data is overwhelming and expensive…

 
People want to be environmentally conscientious, but are inundated with data on green options.  “Greening” your home is expensive.  Know who to trust as an expert.
 

Code, permits and licenses…

 
Some contractors exceed code 100% of the time because it makes technical sense and ensures a successful outcome and a satisfied client. Permitting requirements change and your contractor needs to be up to speed on the impact.
 

Quality adds value to your home…

 
If you are like most Americans, your home is your largest asset.  Half-completed or poorly executed do-it-yourself projects will turn off buyers and diminish your home’s appeal and value.  Get it done right; enjoy your castle with your family.
 

No license, no recourse. P.S. There’s no advertising police…

 
If you invite someone onto your property to work for you and they are unlicensed and cause damage, you have no recourse, a.k.a., buyer beware. Newspapers, radio, direct mail yellow pages do not vet their advertisers  Advertising and signage provide brand awareness, but even Harvard and Stanford report advertising is not a statement of quality.  See the Scary Truth.
 
“As with all legal issues, you may or may not get your initial money back and the amount of additional money, time and heartache is immeasurable.”
Palm Beach County Licensing Board Investigator

 The RHS Certified® seal indicates a reputable, experienced, home improvement and repair business so homeowners and community managers get the job done right the first time. Membership indicates the small business has met the nationally recognized certification standard for its industry. For more information, contact us .