Finding a Contractor

Whether you're fixing your foundation or addressing cracks, securing a skilled and trustworthy contractor is the initial key to a successful home improvement project. Consider consulting foundation engineers who can assess your situation, provide a written solution plan, and then obtain a written estimate from a repair contractor.

Depending on your project's scale and complexity, you may work with a variety of professionals:

  • Specialty Contractors use particular products, such as tuck pointing and landscaping.
  • Foundation Engineers oversee major renovations and make sure repair are done correctly. If your project includes structural changes, you may want to hire an engineer who specializes in foundation repairs.
  • Sheetrock Contractors have expertise in drywall repair and make sure that your home looks like new after the repairs are done.
  • Many Foundation Repair Contractors provide one-stop service. They see your project through from start to finish.

Hiring a Home Repair Contractor

Ask the following questions to each contractor you're considering:

  1. How long have you been in business? Look for a well-established company and check it out with consumer protection officials.
  2. Are you licensed and registered with the state? Check with your local building department or consumer protection agency to find out about licensing requirements in your area. If your state has licensing laws, ask to see the contractor’s license.
  3. Are you certified by a manufacturer or other organization? Many reputable manufacturers have extensive training programs that provide certification for the contractor. Many national associations also have training and continuing education programs offered to their members.
  4. How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year? Asking for a list will help you determine how familiar the contractor is with your type of project.
  5. May I have a list of references? The contractor should be able to give you the names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least three clients who have projects similar to yours. Ask each client about the completion date of their recent projects and if it's possible to visit them. Additionally, express your interest in observing ongoing jobs.
  6. Will you be using subcontractors on this project? If so, ask to meet them and confirm current insurance coverage and licenses (if required). Additionally, inquire whether they received timely payments from this contractor. A “mechanic’s lien” could be placed on your home if your contractor fails to pay subcontractors and suppliers on your project. Protect yourself by asking the contractor, and every subcontractor and supplier, for a lien release or lien waiver.
  7. What types of insurance do you carry? Contractors should have personal liability, worker’s compensation, and property damage coverage. Ask for copies of insurance certificates, and confirm they’re current. Avoid doing business with contractors who don’t carry the appropriate insurance. Otherwise, you’ll be held liable for any injuries and damages that occur during the project.

Understanding Your Payment Options

For home improvement and repair projects, you can choose various payment options. You can secure your loan or let the contractor arrange financing for bigger projects. For smaller ones, consider check or credit card payments, but avoid cash. Regardless of your choice, ensure a fair interest rate and a reasonable payment schedule.

Here are some additional tips:

  1. Limit your down payment. Some state laws limit the amount of money a contractor can request as a down payment. Contact your state or local consumer agency to find out what the law is in your area.
  2. Make payments during the project contingent upon completion of a defined amount of work. This way, if the work is not proceeding according to schedule, the payments also are delayed.
  3. Don’t make the final payment or sign an affidavit of final release until you are satisfied with the work and know that the subcontractors and suppliers have been paid. Lien laws in your state may allow subcontractors and/or suppliers to file a mechanic’s lien against your home to satisfy their unpaid bills. Contact your local consumer agency for an explanation of lien laws where you live.
  4. Some state or local laws limit the amount by which the final bill can exceed the estimate, unless you have approved the increase. Check with your local consumer agency.
  5. If you have a problem with merchandise or services that you charged to a credit card and you have made a good faith effort to work out the problem with the seller, you have the right to withhold from the card issuer payment for the merchandise or services. You can withhold payment up to the amount of credit outstanding for the purchase, plus any finance or related charges.

Don’t Get Nailed

Not all contractors operate within the law. Here are some tip-offs to potential rip-offs. A less than reputable contractor:

  • Solicits door-to-door
  • Just happens to have materials left over from a previous job
  • Only accepts cash payments
  • Tells you your job will be a “demonstration”
  • Pressures you for an immediate decision
  • Offers exceptionally long guarantees
  • Asks you to pay for the entire job up-front