Don’t Assume That All Contractors Are “Pretty Much The Same”

The most important part of shopping for a new indoor comfort system is to pick the right contractor. Choose the wrong one and you risk getting a new system that will not keep you comfortable and will not save you much, if anything, on you monthly utility bills.

In order to get the efficiency and comfort you deserve, you must find a contractor who will:

1. select the right size of equipment for your home
2. install the equipment properly
3. uncover and solve any pre-existing problems with your duct systems or house insulation.
4. ask you a lot of questions
5. NOT provide a quote before doing a diagnostic testing - a good contractor will mention this, a bad one won’t.
6. NOT force you to make a rush buying decision - steer clear of pushy sales people
7. explain everything and suggest several options available to you
8. NOT try to sell you a system over the phone

All contractors are certainly not the same. Sad to say, a small minority are downright dishonest. Both NBC’s Dateline and CBS’s 48 Hours recently aired hidden camera sting operations exposing fraudulent heating and cooling contractors. A number of these companies that they called out either bent the facts, or commited outright fraud on national television. The Better Business Bureau ranks heating and cooling as one of the highest complaint generating industries.

Fortunately, the great majority of contractors are honest. They work hard and mean well. They are ethical, at the leading edge technically and have business and customer service systems in place that ensure high levels of client satisfaction. Invest the time to identify a good contractor, it will be time well spent.

cpaulsen@homerenovationguide.com

When planning a home renovation or any type of home improvement, the most critical step is in the initial selection of the contractor.

There are many different methods of researching the right contractor, including the following :

Referrals

Referrals from family member or neighbors are not necessarily the best way to pick your contractor. While there is value in a nice referral, what was right for one family or individual may not be the right choice for you.

Contractor Rating Systems

The new fad today in this realm is to rate contractors online or in magazines. Contractor ratings have to be taken with a grain of salt. Many of the ratings are outdated or written spitefully. It is just as easy for an excellent contractor to get a bad rating as it is for a bad contractor to get a good rating. Ask yourself who is behind the rating, and whether it could be an advertisement. It’s worth noting whether it’s people who are happy with their renovation writing in the forum or if it’s mainly unhappy people.

Research, research, research

Researching is still the best way to select your contractor. Each individual given this task should carefully interview each contractor, look at his/her portfolio, make sure proper insurance and warranties are in place and then make an educated decision.

A good place to start is, naturally, http://www.homerenovationguide.com.

Planning your renovation or any home improvement is the crucial step in the entire process. Far too many homeowners don’t take the time to research the contractor that is going to remodel or renovate their home. Often, price is the only consideration.

This is the most common mistake made in the entire process. Homeowners need to take the time to check references, see the contractor’s portfolio and make sure they are properly insured.

Whether simply reinstalling some windows, changing to hardwood floors or fixing your roof, it is imperative to take you time and meet several contractors before beginning the job.

While the least expensive quote may be attractive, what materials are being used? Will the work hold up over time and normal wear and tear? When trying to sell your house will an inspector notice improvements that are not to code? These are some simple questions to ask yourself before going to that lowest bidder….