If you’re planning to remodel your home, you probably also have the time to research various contractors and feel totally confident about the one you ultimately choose to hire. If, however, your family was victimized by a natural disaster and you have to have major repairs made to your house unexpectedly, you may not have the luxury of time.
Unfortunately for many of the families in our service area throughout North Carolina and South Carolina, the aftermath of hurricane damage is all too real. From Charleston to the Outer Banks, hurricanes can wreak havoc. Next time you and your family find yourselves hiring a contractor quickly, move on if you notice any of the following red flags. Being vigilant for these things will help you have a good experience with a trustworthy professional.
- A bid that seems too low – This falls into the category of “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” If a contractor gives you a bid that is much lower than any other quote you’ve received, you should assume there’s a reason for it. Perhaps the individual doesn’t have the proper licenses and insurance, maybe he intends to skip-out on the job after a few days, or perhaps he just has no idea what he’s doing. No matter what, the least expensive contractor probably isn’t the best.
- No office or permanent address – Reputable, reliable contractors are busy people. Due to this, they need permanent locations for their day-to-day operations. If a contractor comes to your door after a storm offering to give you a quote, but is unable to provide his office’s permanent address or claims he has no office, you should not hire him. With no fixed presence in your area of the Carolinas, the contractor could leave town easily, and you would be left with no recourse whatsoever.
- Refuses to write a contract – When it comes to home remodeling work, especially after a natural disaster when the chances of scams are high, contracts are absolutely imperative. Any contractor who says a contractual agreement isn’t necessary should immediately be taken off of your shortlist of options. Make sure you choose someone who provides you with an airtight contract that will protect both of you throughout your home’s repairs.
- Will not give you references – All good contractors have references. This is just a fact. Any prospective contractor who cannot or will not provide you with a list of references is probably, at best, a dubious choice. A good rule of thumb is to contact at least three references per contractor you’re considering. This will give you the opportunity to ask other people like you important questions regarding your upcoming job.
- Requiring a large payment upfront – Although every contractor has different payment policies, trustworthy professionals generally don’t ask for large payments before work has even begun on your house. Instead, they may require a small retainer, but will allow you to make bigger payments once you’ve seen some progress on your project. Any contractor who asks you for a huge lump payment following a storm is likely just looking to make some quick cash.
Next time a storm strikes the Carolinas, call Hatch Homes. Our professional, compassionate team will work with you to make any necessary repairs in a timely fashion. We live in this region too, so we understand how important it is to get your home, and your life, back to normal as soon as possible. We look forward to assisting you.