Renovating your home can make it more comfortable, add a personal touch, or increase its value. However, remodeling can also be a major commitment and expense.
Contractors may defraud homeowners by leaving out key project details or giving a low estimate that increases once the work is completed. Knowing the signs of a fraudulent contractor can save you time and money.
Check Their License
Optimal Remodel qualified contractor is usually the best option for the best remodels because of their knowledge and compliance with rules.
They have to meet minimum requirements for insurance coverage, and that typically includes a liability policy with certain limits. This allows you to be protected should something go wrong on the project, but it also keeps them from cutting corners and skimping on work.
Reputable contractors also don’t use high-pressure tactics or ask for more than one-third of the project cost upfront. In addition, they’ll provide a written contract with all of the project details and costs included.
Also, make sure they’re bonded to help protect you against any unforeseen circumstances. This is usually a requirement for specialty trade contractors. You can also check their insurance online through many state licensing boards or an insurance lookup website like this.
Check Their Insurance
A reputable contractor will always have insurance. If they don’t have a policy or they have no proof of it, you should avoid them at all costs.
Another red flag is if they say that they don’t need a contract or are unable to provide one with specific job details and costs. Legitimate contractors will have a binding contract that outlines the project scope, timeline, and payment terms.
Homeowners should also be wary of any contractor who requests a large deposit up front or insists on cash only payments. This is a telltale sign that they are attempting to cut corners.
A reputable contractor will never require more than 20 percent of the total project cost upfront. The rest of the money should be paid only after the work is complete and satisfactory.
Check Their Credentials
Narrow your contractor list, and request references from previous clients with similar bathroom design & remodel projects for assurance. You can also ask for photos of the finished work and specific details about the project.
Legitimate contractors will be willing to share this information and will answer questions about the job quickly and candidly. If a contractor seems reluctant to provide references or is defensive about their past work, you may want to move on to another candidate.
Also ask the contractor if they have a business license and proof of insurance coverage, and make sure their policy covers a minimum of one million dollars in liability and worker’s compensation. Also check if they’re members of any trade organizations that require a certain level of professional integrity.
Check Out Their References
No contractor worth their salt will be hesitant to provide you with references. If they are, it could be a red flag that they are not who or what they claim to be.
The same goes for a lack of online reviews. This isn’t an absolute red flag, but it should be a big one.
You should also ask to see photos of their previous work and call them up. A reference who says, “I would definitely hire them again” is a great sign. If they hesitate, pause, and seem to be debating whether to answer your question, this is a bad sign. You want an unequivocal yes or no here.
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