How to Deal with a Bad Contractor

It seems like everyone has a horror story when it comes to their home remodeling or repair experience.

According to a recent survey by referral website Angies list, 52% of the more than 12,000 home owners polled reported problems with their contractor. Whats more, 27% were so unhappy they fired the professional before the job was complete.

While the reasons for the unhappiness varied from contractors who made a mess to ones that took too long to complete the work, there are ways to avoid having your next home improvement project end up in small claims court.

It all starts with how you go about the hiring process, says Paul Sullivan, chair of National Association of Home Builders Remodelers and a remodeler. Doing your due diligence is the best way to not only protect yourself, but ensure a positive remodeling experience.

Before starting the search, ask for referrals from friends and family. Sullivan also recommends contacting your local builders association to get a list of members. You should also ask potential candidates for references and verify they are properly licensed.

Once youve created a list of three contractors, Angie Hicks, founder of Angies List, suggests meeting with them in person to make sure your personalities mesh.

Theres no sense in hiring someone you cant trust from the get-go. Lets face it: There may be wrinkles along the way and you want to feel comfortable addressing them, she says.

Equally important to who you hire is how the contract is crafted. Hicks says homeowners should spend a good amount of time negotiating a contract that outlines all expectations as well as a payment schedule.

The contract should also include the process to change the order even if you are using custom materials or products. Whats more, experts say you want to make sure there is a termination clause and an explanation of what will happen if both parties have a dispute. Sullivan says he puts an arbitration clause in all his contracts to cover disputes. An arbitration clause is not a bad thing to have in there; rather than going to a full blown lawsuit where everybody loses, he says.

Taking precautions upfront is going to lessen youre risk but it doesnt mean something wont go wrong. But before it gets ugly or you fire your contractor, experts say to communicate regularly about what you want and what you are unhappy with.

See original here:
How to Deal with a Bad Contractor