Shreveport, La., May 26, 2010 – If you’ve decided it’s time to give your home a facelift with new carpet, exterior siding or a new patio - or if you need repairs - the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can help you find a trustworthy contractor.
“Consumers should be wary if a contractor asks for full payment up front,” said Andy Fisher, president and CEO of the BBB Serving Central Louisiana and the Ark-L-Tex. “A reputable contractor may ask for a partial payment in advance to purchase materials, but consumers should never pay in full until the job is completed to their satisfaction.”
The BBB recommends that consumers ask contractors for local references and check with those customers to see whether they were satisfied with the work. If possible, inspect completed projects as well. If customers are pleased with the jobs, they’ll probably be proud to show off the results.
Consumers can check contractors’ Reliability Reports on the BBB website, www.bbb.org. The reports give a letter grade from A+ down to F that indicates a company’s performance on 17 weighted factors, including their response to any complaints. The reports also give general information, such as the company’s phone number, length of time in business and owner’s name.
On the Shreveport BBB’s website, www.shreveport.bbb.org, our“Request An Estimate” feature can connect you with contractors that are BBB Accredited Businesses. These businesses have pledged to comply with BBB standards, such as advertising honestly, honoring promises and responding to customer complaints.
When you click on the “Request An Estimate” button, you can select the type of business you are searching for and narrow your search to businesses within a specified distance from your home. (You can click on any business name to get a Reliability Report.)
At that point, you may either contact the businesses directly or ask them to contact you. “Request An Estimate” has a contact form that allows you to describe your project and ask contractors to contact you about it in the way you want to be contacted – by phone, e-mail, mail or fax.
The BBB has the following tips for hiring contractors:
- Seek at least three bids from prospective contractors based on the same specifications, materials and labor needed to complete the project. Homeowners should discuss bids in detail with each contractor and ask questions about variations in pricing. The lowest-priced contractor may not be the best.
- Consumers should ask whether the company is insured against claims covering workers’ compensation, property damage and personal liability in case of accidents. Consumers should obtain the name of the insurance carrier and call to verify coverage.
- Ask whether the contractor meets licensing and bonding requirements set by the state, county or city.
- Check with local authorities to find out whether permits are needed before proceeding with the work. The contractor also should be aware of any required permits.
- Ask whether the contractor will provide a lien waiver upon completion of the job. A lien waiver is a statement by the contractor that all suppliers and subcontractors have been paid for their work.
- Read and understand the contract before signing. Get any verbal promises in writing. Include start and completion dates in the contract.
- Remember the rule of thirds. Pay one third at the start of the project, one third when work is 50 percent completed and one third after completion.
For more information to help you make smart, informed decisions about projects around your home, check with the BBB by going online to www.bbb.org or by calling 314-645-3300.
Contact: Andy Fisher, President & CEO, 1-800-372-4222 ext 101, andyfisher@shreveport.bbb.org,
