Red Flags When Selecting Contractors

Finding a contractor that you can trust to do a good job within a reasonable time period can be a huge challenge! As you are going through the process of selecting your contractor there are a few red flags to watch out for. If your potential home improvement partner shows these signs it is probably best to avoid them! And, like so many other household chores, word-of-mouth reviews and personal recommendations are always a great way to narrow down your list of potential candidates!

Significantly Lower or Higher Bid

We recommend that you get at least two if not three bids for your home improvement or roofing project before making your choice on the company to work with. All of the candidates should be in roughly the same range for the quoted project, and those that are significantly different should usually be avoided.

Lack of Referrals

If your potential contractor or home improvement company refuses to give you the contact info of at least two former customers, it can be a red flag caused by their lack of quality work or timeliness. Avoid anyone that doesn’t want to share the results of their previous work projects.

Handshake or Oral Deals

Roofing projects and other home repair agreements should always be in writing. This helps to protect both parties and also ensures that you and your contractor are on the same page regarding the scope of work, materials, and timelines for the project.

No Proof of Insurance or Permits

You should receive proof of insurance prior to beginning any project, and your contractor should also include the cost and time for obtaining permits in their bid.

High Initial Payment

Your deposit should cover the cost of obtaining materials and upfront management and administrative costs only. You should not be required to pay for the entire project upfront.