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Before you hire a repair contractor, ask good questions
  
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Even though contractors are in high demand after Hurricane Ike, homeowners should still choose carefully when hiring help.
Andy Bell, who founded and presides over Handyman Matters, researched and compiled the “Consumer Guide to Choosing a Home Repair or Remodeling Contractor.” On online version is available at www.handymanmat ters.com.
The guide explains what you need to know and why you need to know it. It includes 21 questions to ask to make sure you get the information you need to make an informed decision.
The report is the result of extensive customer surveys that identified issues that homeowners are most concerned about. Beware of repair and remodel companies or individuals that can't satisfactorily answer the following questions:
How long have you been in business?
Do you have complaints filed against you with the Better Business Bureau?
What documentation do you have that proves you're qualified?
Do you require an advance deposit on all jobs?
What experience or proof do you have that you can do (whatever I need)?
How many times have you done (whatever I need) before?
What guarantee do you have that you will show up on time?
Do I get a written quote (for larger projects) and how is it calculated?
Will you help me make a materials list so I can buy my own materials to save money?
What is your employee screening process before hiring? If working with an individual, check his or her background.
Do you have policies for how you or your employees will conduct themselves in my home? If so, what are they?
How will I contact my craftsperson before and during the job?
What steps do you take to communicate with me before, during and after my job?
Will you come back at no charge and fix any problems with your work that show up after you leave? For how long?
Do you have a written guarantee?
How long will it be before you can start work on my job?
Do you have a current business license and/or contractor license, if local laws require one?
Do you have proof of insurance?
Do you have letters of reference from your bank/suppliers to show that bills are paid and that you are in good financial standing?
Do you have letters of reference from past customers who I can contact?
Do you have a written safety program and follow safe work practices?
Bell founded Handyman Matters in Lakewood, Colo. It’s a franchise that handles repair, restoration and maintenance of both residential and business customers.
Andy Bell, who founded and presides over Handyman Matters, researched and compiled the “Consumer Guide to Choosing a Home Repair or Remodeling Contractor.” On online version is available at www.handymanmat ters.com.
The guide explains what you need to know and why you need to know it. It includes 21 questions to ask to make sure you get the information you need to make an informed decision.
The report is the result of extensive customer surveys that identified issues that homeowners are most concerned about. Beware of repair and remodel companies or individuals that can't satisfactorily answer the following questions:
How long have you been in business?
Do you have complaints filed against you with the Better Business Bureau?
What documentation do you have that proves you're qualified?
Do you require an advance deposit on all jobs?
What experience or proof do you have that you can do (whatever I need)?
How many times have you done (whatever I need) before?
What guarantee do you have that you will show up on time?
Do I get a written quote (for larger projects) and how is it calculated?
Will you help me make a materials list so I can buy my own materials to save money?
What is your employee screening process before hiring? If working with an individual, check his or her background.
Do you have policies for how you or your employees will conduct themselves in my home? If so, what are they?
How will I contact my craftsperson before and during the job?
What steps do you take to communicate with me before, during and after my job?
Will you come back at no charge and fix any problems with your work that show up after you leave? For how long?
Do you have a written guarantee?
How long will it be before you can start work on my job?
Do you have a current business license and/or contractor license, if local laws require one?
Do you have proof of insurance?
Do you have letters of reference from your bank/suppliers to show that bills are paid and that you are in good financial standing?
Do you have letters of reference from past customers who I can contact?
Do you have a written safety program and follow safe work practices?
Bell founded Handyman Matters in Lakewood, Colo. It’s a franchise that handles repair, restoration and maintenance of both residential and business customers.
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