Q. We have several home improvement projects planned for this year. We will visit the Home Show this weekend. What advice may BBB offer as we evaluate businesses to partner with for these projects?
A. The arrival of the Home Show this weekend typically is motivation for many homeowners who are considering remodel projects. Whether your home improvement project is small or gigantic, if you are hiring someone to do it, there are some considerations to be "nailed down."
The Better Business Bureau has some tips for those planning to attend the Tri-State Home Show and for those planning to hire a contractor. Home shows are a great place to get new ideas and options for your project. Here are some things to keep in mind to maximize your Home Show experience:
- Do a little investigating ahead of time. Look for websites of the vendors who provide the services and products that you are considering. This way you will have some advance understanding of what they offer. (Visit the Home Show website to find a list of exhibitors. www.homeshowchattanoga.com . In advance, using a search engine for inquiry, research online a company's name plus words like "complaints" and "reviews."
- Check out specific local contractors and businesses with the BBB at www.bbb.org/Chattanooga. The BBB business review will provide a grade rating, if BBB accredited, complaint history and resolution and customer reviews, positive and negative. BBB will be onsite at the show and available to assist with questions. Stop by and pick up a brochure on "10 Tips for Hiring a Contractor."
- Make a list of questions you may have for potential contractors at the show. Doing this ahead of time can ensure that you don't forget or overlook something when distracted by all the sights and sounds at the show.
- Know your budget for the project and exactly what the objective is. Clear goals can help you avoid impulsive commitments when talking to company representatives. Resolve to stick to your budget.
- When choosing a contractor, time-tested, word-of-mouth referral remains a good option. Nothing beats a friend's experience when it comes to assessing the pros and cons of a company. Still, you should get cost quotes from at least three contractors for purposes of comparison. Make sure you give each the exact same specifications for the job.
- Ask for references from the company and follow through by checking with those individuals. The mere fact that they were willing to give you names does not mean that they are legitimate. Contractors may count on consumers failing to check on the references they were given. Find out how long the company has been in business and its address. Confirm that information with your research data.
Be sure to inquire about the contractor's licensing, what permits your job would require and whether the contractor is insured for personal liability, workers' compensation and property damage coverage. Validate who will do the actual labor; employees of the company or subcontractors. If required, get documentation for subcontractors.
Finally, make sure all verbal and implied agreements are written in the contract. Read all fine detail in the contract. By law, a contractor can request up to 1/3 payment in advance of the project. Home improvement projects are notorious for disrupting a household's routine. That's usually unavoidable, but there is no reason you and the vetted contractor will not have a successful project where you will be proud and satisfied.
Jim Winsett is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga. For questions about contractor selection, call BBB at (800)548-4456 or 423-266-6144 or visit its website at www.bbb.org/Chattanooga.