Website design By BotEap.comAs an executive in the construction industry, I have witnessed some shady dealings and seen contractors try to rip off clients. I find this offensive on so many different levels. There is no reason to be dishonest, it always comes back to bite you where the meat is tender, hurts others, ruins one’s reputation and soon ruins one’s whole business.

Website design By BotEap.comI have always found that dealing honestly with customers has expanded our business and created lasting friendships.

Website design By BotEap.comAlso, I firmly believe in reaping what is sown, and that what goes around comes around.

Website design By BotEap.comI don’t know about you, but I’d rather create a happy and pleasant future, than one where I have no friends, my reputation (if any) is in tatters, and where I’m possibly in trouble. magistrate.

Website design By BotEap.comOur General Contractor (GC) ran into another rogue contractor this morning and returned to the office in a pretty serious state, so he decided he needed to do a little more, use my knowledge to warn unsuspecting homeowners. Someone warned me that he could make more enemies than friends in my business. I don’t believe it for a second because I know a lot more honest people than dishonest, and if the latter decide not to like me, I’d tend to think I’ve successfully warned a few homeowners and saved someone a headache and money.

Website design By BotEap.comThere are several ways a dishonest contractor can try to scam you.

Website design By BotEap.com1- Give the home owner a very low ball estimate.

Website design By BotEap.comA perfect example of this is the story from this morning that I referred to earlier. We had given an estimate to build a small kitchen in an unfinished basement. The owner told our GC that she was absolutely shocked that our estimate was three times higher than another contractor’s.

Website design By BotEap.comLet me just say that there is absolutely no way to get this job done for a third of the price we gave you. Our budget for a small kitchen included demolition of an existing room, framing of the walls, electrical installation and finishing, plumbing, HVAC including all accessories, insulation on exterior walls, drywall , paint, tile floor, tile backsplash, kitchen cabinets and island, granite countertops, all appliances, workmanship and material of all of the above. You get the idea.

Website design By BotEap.comBut this “low balling” is not a new tactic. Their purpose is to get the job done and then add costs while the job is in progress, claiming incidentals, order changes, or situations.

Website design By BotEap.comOnce a homeowner is in the middle of a project, it’s very difficult to fire an existing contractor and take the time to find a new one.

Website design By BotEap.comSolution: When you see a big price discrepancy between two estimates, get a couple more offers. This will give you a very good idea of ​​what the job should cost. There is absolutely no question that every project must take into account unforeseen circumstances, i.e. mold is found on the walls during demolition, the house is old and electrical wiring is not up to code, previous work is shoddy And you don’t know until you look again. . Unfortunately, the list is long. But most of the time, an estimate can give you a pretty good idea of ​​what the cost will be.

Website design By BotEap.com2- Do not pay subcontractors and keep the money.

Website design By BotEap.comWhile this scenario may not be as common as the first described, it does happen. The general contractor hires subcontractors and keeps all the money. This leaves the homeowner with the bag and the bonds are filed against the house. It can result in costly and lengthy legal battles and skyrocketing stress levels.

Website design By BotEap.comSolution: Ask your contractor for some references from past clients. Find out if there are any complaints against you with your state’s licensing department.

Website design By BotEap.com3- Outrageous remodeling budgets.

Website design By BotEap.comThis unethical practice is used by contractors seeking clients who have no idea of ​​construction costs. This method doesn’t work for most people, but it is done enough to be lucrative for some businesses, much like an auto mechanic ripping off someone who knows nothing about auto repair.

Website design By BotEap.comSolution: get more than one quote.

Website design By BotEap.com4- “The discount for friends and family”.

Website design By BotEap.comThe work is offered to be performed after hours and on weekends as a favor and at a reduced rate by someone who is unlicensed and uninsured. Under this scenario, rest assured that permits will not be withdrawn or inspections will be performed. In addition to the fact that this practice is totally illegal, it directly affects the security issue, the electricity is of poor quality and is a fire hazard, the plumbing is poor and causes pipes to break and flood, to name just a few. pair of possible ramifications. This can also negatively affect the resale of your home and reduce the value of the property.

Website design By BotEap.comSolution: Hire a reputable licensed and insured contractor. It takes very little time to look up your contractor online and contact your state’s licensing department to find out if the business is properly registered and if any complaints have been filed.

Website design By BotEap.com5- Cause damage to create more work.

Website design By BotEap.comThe unethical contractor damages something in the house and claims it needs to be fixed at additional cost.

Website design By BotEap.comSolution: Any damage caused by a contractor or subcontractor is not your financial responsibility. A contractor is legally expected to fix and pay for any damage caused during the job.

Website design By BotEap.comAdditional signs that a contractor is dishonest:

Website design By BotEap.com1- He refused to sign a contract
2- Accept only cash as a form of payment
3- Refuses to give references, or refuses to provide a copy of your license and insurance.
4- It tells you that you will have to get the permits yourself.

Website design By BotEap.comMost contractors are law abiding, decent, and do a good job. The few that fall into the dishonesty category can be avoided by following the tips above.

Website design By BotEap.comI wish you an easy and happy experience during your remodel.