Things to watch for when using contractors

  There comes a time when even the best refurber can't take on an entire project themselves, or they come across a project that is dangerous unless performed by a proffesional.  As an electrical and low voltage contractor, I have worked on thousands of projects ranging from changing a light bulb at a nieghbors house, to installing enterprise class control and camera systems at correctional facilities.  I have seen all kinds of mistakes, but I will discuss some of the easiest to avoid and biggest ones here.

The first thing to avoid, and I believe I saw an entery in the Q&A section about this, is overpaying a contractor initially.  When you get a California Contractors license, you need to be able to prove(although they probably will never make you prove) that you have at least $2500 of operating capital.  A contractor BY LAW cannot ask you for more than a 10% down payment, and in my opinion, if they ask you for anything, one of two things is happening:  One, the contractor is stepping out of his league, and taking on a project that is over his head.  Or two, he is a scam artist, who has no intention of completing anything, only to make it appear that way to get as much out of the customer as possible, before shutting down his business and reopening it under another name.  Don't get me wrong, a vast majority of contractors out there are honest, hard workers, but every proffesion has its bad apples.  Keep in mind that all of this is job specific.  If I'm doing a half million dollar IP camera system at a prison, I might need the $50k to get going,  but in the world of home improvement, a contractor shouldn't need much from you to get started.

The next thing to avoid, or not to avoid, is document everything.  I don't care if its your nanna doing the work, if its for an amount of money that you'll miss should anything go wrong, get a contract.  And make sure its clear, concise, spells out milestone payments, and talks about everything you and the contractor talked about during the job walk(which is something we'll get to).  Too often I've come in to a situation where the homeowner is desparate for help, and when I ask to see the contract, they either can't produce one, or what they do produce is slightly better than a few scribbled sentences on a cocktail napkin.  If the contract doesn't spell out exactly what they plan on doing, down to the model # of the hinges for your cabinets, don't sign it, and make them redo it.

If your project is more than changing a light bulb, I would want to look at it.  Be aware of any contractor who says  he knows exactly what you're saying over the phone, and doesn't need to look at it.  After thousands of projects, I can tell you that every homeowner is different, and so is every project.  And when you do have the contractor over, be prepared.  Know exactly how you want your finished product to look, and convey that to him.  There are some simple drawing software programs out there, and it would also be a good idea to have model #'s  or pictures of the  cabinets or spa, etc., that you want to put in.

Last, but certainly not least, ask so many questions that you almost annoy yourself.  Staying involved in the project every step of the way helps you and the contractor avoid any misunderstandings long before they are bolted to your wall.  If something doesn't look right, or your contractor hasn't shown up for a few days, ask why.  Don't be afraid, they might have big tools, but they work for you.  Also, its a good idea in the information age to ask questions before you've even met them.  Check the status of thier license, look at websites that provide feedback forums for contractors, etc. 

Remember, you're the one signing the front of the check, so don't be pushed around or intimidated.   And don't feel like its the end of the world if you do decide to let your contractor go mid-project.  If you've done everything right, and haven't overpaid, any competent contractor can finish the job.  Just choose wisely next time.