While many of these people are honest and reputable, some do not. Here is a list of 6 suggested steps to take to protect yourself and find an honest and legitimate contractor: 1/2. Contact your insurance company and ask for an insurance adjuster assigned to your claim. Ask the adjuster to make an estimate of the damage and repair costs for your property. By estimating this, you will be able to have a negotiating tool as the contractor approaches your estimates.
2. The first thing you should ask from the contractor before the work is done is their reference. When looking for a contractor, contact trusted friends and neighbors and ask if they have a contractor they can see. Also, check with the contractor whether they are part of the Homebuilder Association in your area, and the Better Business Bureau. Most importantly, make sure the contractor is licensed and carries the responsibilities and insurance of workers compensation and proof of request.
If the contractor is not insured, you may be responsible for an accident that occurred on your property.
3. Be very diligent in reading the newspaper you want to sign by the contractor. Make sure the contract is written correctly and include terms for you as to what will guarantee the contractor and how long the warranty lasts.
Also, make sure that there is a cancellation policy that gives you at least 3 Business days to cancel the signed contract for any reason, as this will give you time to review the contract if you feel rushed to make a decision. Better yet, ask the contractor to let you make a copy of the blank contract for overnight review and avoid contractors who will refuse to do so. Also, make sure the completion date is included in the contract. If you're confused about what the contract offers, consider checking it before you agree to the terms.
4. Notice how many building contractors advise you to make temporary repairs. While payments for reasonable transient repairs are covered as part of the completion of total insurance claims, you do not want to pay a large number of contractors for temporary repairs, as this can spend the amount of money you need for permanent repairs to complete. Next, avoid contractors that offer unrealistic estimates.
5. Never pay the contractor for the entire project first or before the work is done. Also, pay with personal checks instead of cash so you can keep checks that are withdrawn as receipts.
6. Save the job file of all communications with the contractor of your choice and all documents related to the work being done. This file should include contracts, plans and specifications of signed jobs, invoices and invoices, canceled checks, copies of insurance certificates, information about subcontractors that contractors and your material suppliers may use