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 How To Pick The Right Contractor For Your Project Four Common Misconceptions About Contractors
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| Misconception #1: You should rely on the Better Business Bureau to determine whether a contractor is qualified or not. |
No. Just because the Better Business Bureau doesn't have any complaints against the contractor, doesn't mean he's qualified. In fact, the truth is the Better Business Bureau does a lousy job of reporting offending companies. Especially if they're dues paying "members."
The October 1995 issue of Money Magazine exposes the BBB for what it really is. Many consumers believe that the BBB is a nonprofit organization or even a government agency. In fact, the BBB is really a franchised for-profit business that often fails to give unsatisfactory ratings to member companies plagued by a history of serious complaints.
The BBB is in the business of selling "memberships", not ratting on dues paying members. Just because a contractor doesn't have any complaints with the BBB you are not assured you're working with someone who is reputable.
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| Misconception #2: The company that offers you the lowest price is the company you should hire. |
No, not necessarily! Here are three important points to consider:
Point #1: Everyone tends to look for the lowest price. However, on a low estimate, you must ask yourself what is being left out or what short-cut is being taken. One roofer had his re-roof job $300 cheaper than anyone else. The homeowner wanted to save money and accepted his proposal. After the job was completed, all the old shingles and nails were still lying around the yard and shrubs and the homeowner was having a fit. The contractor told them that he had not figured the cleanup in his proposal and that was how he could do the job so much cheaper. Like anything else, you can't get something for nothing. Be careful of choosing your contractor based upon the lowest price.
Point #2: The price you see offered may not be for the services you want performed. Before you select a company, decide what you want to accomplish. For example, you can buy a new car for $10,000, $20,000 or $40,000. All three cars have four wheels, four doors and can drive on any road in the U.S. but there is a substantial difference between a Geo and BMW. Likewise for a construction project. Before you accept a low price, consider the level of services involved, the type of company you're choosing, and the project's design and specifications.
Point #3: Be careful of bait and switch pricing practices. As in all businesses and professions, the construction industry has its share of bad apples. We take no pleasure in telling you this, but some are unethical -- and sadly, a few are downright dishonest. By their misleading pricing tactics and false promises, they cast a dark shadow on our entire industry. Then you'll find other contractors -- professionals who work hard to earn your trust and respect. The only way you can make an intelligent decision is to have all the facts you need.
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| Misconception #3: If a person claims to have many years of experience, they must do quality work. |
| NO! We can't tell you how many people receive bad workmanship from a contractor who has claimed to be in business for 15 years. Take experience claims with a grain of salt. Don't believe that just because a person has twenty years experience, he will do a good job. He could have done a poor job for twenty years. Investigate further! |
| Misconception #4: If a company spends a lot of money on advertising, they must do good work. |
| NOT TRUE! Just because a company throws thousands of dollars into advertising doesn't necessarily mean you're working with a bigger or more reputable company. All it means is that they've spent a lot of money on their advertising. Some of these companies provide the worst customer service. |
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