Reaching out to professional contractors for home renovation is a good way to make sure everything goes smoothly. However, choosing the right provider that can meet your needs and provide you with a high-quality service is not always easy. Whether you’re looking for reliable kitchen or bathroom remodeling services in Fort Collins, you should be aware of certain red flags to avoid on your way. Keep reading to learn more about the most common ones.
How do you not get taken advantage of by contractors?
Research, communication, and thorough assessment are crucial steps to take before handing over your project. Here are 6 things to you should be cautious about during your search:
Bad or no reviews
You can easily check online platforms like Google or Yelp and see if your potential contractor has any reviews and what they say about them. While an occasional bad review isn’t something to worry about too much, multiple bad reviews are definitely a red flag.
In addition, if there’s no feedback at all, it may suggest that the company is either new, meaning they have little to no experience, or they have reestablished their previous company under a new name, which can indicate they haven’t been too successful before.
They require a large down payment
It’s perfectly normal and reasonable to pay a certain amount of the total cost upfront. However, if they ask for a large amount before doing any work at all, you should be careful and consider whether you want to continue your cooperation with them. In certain states, it’s even illegal for contractors to exceed a certain limit when it comes to down payment.
The bid is too low
On the other hand, estimates that are too low are also something to be cautious about. They know that clients are typically fixed on cost and those who are unethical will intentionally leave out a certain scope of work just to get the job. This is why it’s essential to compare the estimate against the agreed scope of work and make sure it encompasses everything you expect.
Vague contract
The contract should be very detailed and include practically everything that you can expect from them to complete. Some essential points include equipment, supplies, materials used, subcontractors, vendors, start and stop times, payment schedules, cost breakdown, and more. This is highly important as you want to know exactly what you’re signing up for.
Bad communication
Failing to return your calls or address any of your concerns is an intro to what you can expect if you decide to hire them. Additionally, avoiding written communication is also a point of concern as it may indicate they don’t want to leave a paper trail of evidence or they aren’t licensed to do the work.
Asking for cash payments
If they’re asking you to pay in cash, it’s quite possible they’re trying to avoid taxes for employees or on the business. While it’s an indicator of a dishonest comportment, it can also leave you without a proof of payment which can be risky if the contractor ever decides to claim they weren’t paid.
Where can I find trusted bathroom remodeling services in Fort Collins?
Whether you’re looking to ask your contractor the right questions, you want to know exactly what traits to look for, or you’re wondering about the benefits of enlisting professional services, Fort Collins Bath & Home Remodeling is the team you trust. Whether your home is close to Colorado State University or across the region, our experienced and dedicated specialists are here to take proper care of your home. Call today!