I would love to fix your problem that you are having but shouldn’t you be contacting the contractor that did the work?

He was having some work done in his kitchen. He didn’t like the way it turned out, and would like me to fix it for him. I’m flattered but why isn’t he calling the contractor who he is working with on the kitchen project. The answer to this is a mystery to me, but I can think of several scenarios.

 

I’m not real sure who is to blame in these situations. It’s always easy to point the finger at the contractor, but did the homeowner do their homework before getting started? I think that property owners must do a minimum of three things before hiring a contractor. There are more things that can be done in the search, but here are the top three.

 

Create a Scope of Work and get multiple bids. The scope of work will help insure that all the contractors are bidding on the same thing. It would be difficult to compare bids if everyone is bidding on different jobs. Getting multiple bids will allow you to get a better estimate for what it will cost.

Get References and call them. How often do we get a list of testimonials that never get used. Call the references and pick their brain; ask all the hard questions. Did the contractor do what they promised to do? What did you not like about the project? Don’t be afraid to be too pushy, you want to get to the truth.

Is the Contractor licensed and insured? For some reason, this just goes unchecked. We are given a number and we assume it is valid and in good standing. In California, we can even check the status of a license online, including workers compensation policies on file. Your state may do the same thing.

 

I will be the first to admit that there are many more things that the property owner can and should do before getting into a contract with a contractor, but these three are very important.

As a General Contractor in the state of California, very few people have checked or done these three things before entering into a contract with me. I assume that this isn’t getting done with other contractors either.

This may have been the problem with the man who called me with the problem ceiling. I wonder if he did his homework before hiring that contractor to do his kitchen.

Good luck on all your property improvements and repairs.

 

 

 


 


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Tromler Construction
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916-765-5366
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7 Comments on I would love to fix your problem that you are having but shouldn’t you be contacting the contractor that did the work?

OCT
22
2011
491,959 Points 29 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

All great advice. Unfortunately, many people don't do this homework before they get started with any home project.
6:09am • #1
213,407 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Tom: If a homeowner is spending money on a project, they need to investigate the contractors they are considering. A few phone calls and some research on the internet can make a big difference.
6:24am • #2
982,332 Points 79 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Just yesterday, I got a text message from a client I'm working with on decorating their new home they are renovating.  I recommended a contractor and they are thrilled with him.  Such a great feeling when you can recommend someone with high standards that does quality work.
7:36am • #3
165,839 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

They are calling because the original contractor probably doesn't have the workers with the skills to perform that job.   They probably don't want it messed up again!
8:57am • #4
378,688 Points 84 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Tom - all great advice and when we finished our basement we did all the things you suggested and were very happy with the contractor we chose. Too many people don't do their homework and are shocked when they end up with shoddy work.
10:25am • #5
312,052 Points Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

3 very important questions to ask contractors.  And than when you decide on the contractor to be sure what you were told is in writing on the contract before signing the contract form.  Numbers 2 & 3 are very important in gauging how close to that estimate the cost of the job ends up.

Have you asked these folks why they haven't contacted their contractor?  Maybe they did and were pointed back to their signed contract.

Sue of Robin and Sue
11:01am • #6
774,178 Points 95 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Joe - The time to check is before getting started.

Anne - I agree with you, it takes time but not much.

Roger - That is a good feeling. It's a good thing that someone took the time to ask you about the contractor.

Yvette - I have found out that this is in fact the case. They did not have a quality trades person on the job. They need someone new, his wife won't let the other guy back in the house. Not good.

Kristine - That's the way it should work out. Now when the contractor has you as a referral, one day a potential client will call you and ask about him before their project begins.

Sue - They did try to contact the contractor, he was busy, blah, blah, blah. Tempers are flaring up, they want someone else to finish the job.
4:32pm • #7


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Tom Arstingstall - An Uncommon Contractor (Tromler Construction): Builder-Contractor in Placerville, CA

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