Date: March 3, 2008
To whom it may concern:
As new home sales fall and our economic times are on unsteady ground we are seeing a tremendous amount of contractors desperate for work. From the framer that was once framing new homes to the guy installing the carpet are all out there looking for work I can't say that I blame them but you as a consumer have to make the ultimate decision as to who you are going to select to build your project.
Listed below are basic rules you should follow when choosing your contractor.
1. Every contractor is required to have a VALID Maryland state home improvement license. Make sure license is in the owner of the companies name and not some one else's name. If a contractor asks you to obtain the permit odds are he/she are not a licensed contractor. In order for a contractor to obtain a permit they have to be licensed. You can contact the Maryland Home Improvement Commission at 410-230-6309 to inquire about your contractor.
2. All licensed contractors in Maryland are required to carry a general liability policy and workmen's compensation. Ask to see a copy of their policy and make sure it will be current through the entire project.
3. Contact the States Attorneys' Office to see if they have any outstanding judgments, Pending lawsuits. Etc. here is the number 410-396-4000.
4. Ask for referrals: any home improvement company should be able to provide you with referrals upon request. If they hesitate, beware.
5. Make sure they have an actual place of business such as a store front, ware house, lumber yard, and go see their place of business that is usually a good reflection of how they do business. You don't go buy a car without looking at it do you then don't by home improvements without doing your home work 1st. be wary of contractors working from a PO. BOX OR OUT OF THEIR PICKUP TRUCK, BASEMENT OR GARAGE. Believe me we see it all the time.
6. Call the Better Business Bureau 410-347-3990 this is another way of screening your contractor. Most instances will stay on a contractor's record for 3 years then are eventually purged as the years go by. I will be the 1st to admit yes we have some complaints with the BBB all of which have been resolved. But this is all part of doing business and a company that produces over 2000 jobs per year id says our record with the BBB is pretty darn good.
7. Never give a deposit for any home improvement project more than 1/3 of the total contract price. And never pay in full until the project is complete.
8. Make sure you have a legal and binding contract that clearly spells out the description of work that is going to be performed, all warranties, and any exclusions or inclusions pertaining to you project in writing. Most contracts have no verbal agreements.
9. Make sure you get written proposals so when you are trying to get competitive bids you can compare them and help you make your final decision.
10. Ask to see a copy of the contract prior to you signing the contract to ensure that every thing discussed is clear and consistent with the project.
11. Don't accept bids for projects on business cards, napkins, lumber or a piece of card board. This may sound funny but I have seen customers on more than one occasion make financial decisions based on a price they received from a lazy contractor on a napkin. NO JOKE a written proposal is a must, if a contractor is not willing to provide you with a written proposal then don't waist your time.
12. Make sure you have multiple ways of contacting your contractor, such as office phones that actually has someone answering them during normal business hours, fax numbers, E-Mail addresses, web site addresses with a contact us page and cell numbers. This might sound rediculess but if you read the article I described earlier you would know why.
In closing, it's not easy trying to find a good reliable contractor. And good contracting is not always based on price but, honesty and integrity and longevity of the company you are dealing with. The contracting business is one of the easies businesses to get in to but it is also one of the easiest businesses to go out of. Most contractors might be good carpenters but they are terrible business people, so don't get caught in there mess. Mid Atlantic Deck and Fence has been in business since 1986 and are proud to say we are here to stay. Even if you don't contract with us I hope you have learned a little more about how to protect your self and your home when entering into a contractual relation ship, remember it's like a brief marriage.
Sincerely
Bruce Beauchamp
President