Contractor Referral

"As a contractor with 16 years of experience and speaking on behalf of professional contractors. I want people to be aware of the warning signs that they may be dealing with the wrong contractor."

Not every contractor is out to get you. The majority are honest, reputable business owners who strive to do quality work, using good materials at a reasonable cost. In fact, many of these contractors are members of associations such as the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) or the BBB (Better Business Bureau).

For the past three years, I have conducted investigations in contractor/homeowner relations. I have heard numerous stories of why homeowners feel taken by home improvement service providers. Even though we have our own formulas on choosing a contractor the nightmare stories continue to stockpile. On the other hand, I have heard from several contractors of how they feel undercut by the competition and taken advantage of by the homeowner. Yet still, the bickering goes on.

While Mr. And Mrs. Jones wondered when there newly hired contractor would return, they would be able to use their kitchen for nothing other than a sloppy storage room. The Jones's thought that the contractor they hired to completely remodel their kitchen was superior because he was highly recommended by a friend. They didn't know that his license had expired along with his insurance and that he had a criminal history. They assumed that he was reputable and failed to check his credentials. So as the Jones's wait, the contractor holds their money and left them with a completely destroyed kitchen.

How many times have we made a mistake like this and looked for someone else to blame?

After three years of research, it has been proven to me that the famous terms "contractor" and "nightmare" don't always go hand in hand. Just as we use protection to keep our homes safe, we can use certain tools and resources for successfully screening contractors as we welcome them into our home. Typically, we teach our children to not open the door for strangers, as the same rule should take affect in interviewing a contractor.

During my research, I myself was licensed and bonded as a general contractor. I was also involved with an online contractor referral service. This online service was located in Colorado and promised homeowners in Washington State they would deliver; prescreened, pre-qualified and licensed service trades people at their request. As a contractor I was sent up to 20 job leads a day via email, for jobs I had no experience in. I accepted several of these leads and sold services, by contract, to the majority of these homeowners. At first I was quite successful until my company started to grow. Before I knew it I had an office in Mill Creek, an office staff and 12?15 employees. I was considering the development and expansion of new divisions within my company however, my mistakes were soon to be revealed. I received a phone call from a client complaining of the help that I had placed on the job and our progress. My client proceeded to tell me that my employees were taking 2 hour lunches and taking several 5-10 minute breaks a day. Later another client phoned in with the same concern. Both of these projects were finished late, as I started to focus on weeding out the spoiled help. During this process I had lost control of the remaining projects. As I was firing and disciplining the remaining staff, I was receiving at minimum of three calls a day from angry customers. I felt there was no way out. I finished the last of the projects myself and with the help of my last employee.

While my license had already expired and I was no longer insured however, I was still receiving 20 job leads a day from this same contractor referral. This contractor referral service that promised to screen contractors and deliver them to an already "in fear" public, would refer my company and others I knew who were of the same caliber, licensed or not, insured or not.

P. McDonnell http://www.gooshimo.com

---

What is Wire EDM?

What exactly is wire electrical discharge machining, also referred to... Read More

Repairing a Hole in a Sheetrocked Wall

It is quite simple to repair a hole in a... Read More

Bathroom Remodel - The Plan

Planning a bathroom remodel? Each home project of this nature... Read More

Building Wood Stairs

Building a set of wood stairs is not nearly as... Read More

The $27,000 Toilet Seat - Funny DIY Story

This story was told to me by a plumber I... Read More

Designing Great-looking Window Coverings on a Budget

Window coverings are one of the most important focal points... Read More

Spring Home Projects in Northern New England

As I sit on a plane in route from Chicago... Read More

Warm & Toasty Outdoors with Patio Heaters

The Heat is On with... Read More

Ceiling Fans ? That Dont Require The Ceiling

The trend in remodeling homes is to expand the outdoor... Read More

Bakers Racks Add Flair And Style To Your Kitchen

Many items a person can add to the kitchen are... Read More

FAQs About Using Stone In Your Home

1. Q. IS NATURAL STONE A GOOD CHOICE FOR HOME... Read More

Complete Home Rehab In 10 Days

This report is about taking a house and restoring it... Read More

Tiles are the Foundation Stone for Your Stylish Bathroom!

Tiles can increase the value of any home. Ceramic tiles,... Read More

CCTV for the Home

Securing your property is one of the growing domestic issues... Read More

House Plans ? Where To Start

You have found the perfect lot on which to build... Read More

Laminate Flooring Basics

Laminate flooring resembles the look of hardwoods but offers easier... Read More

Here Comes The Sun: Solar Energy is Becoming More Attractive for Mainstream Consumers

The price of a barrel of oil has never been... Read More

Upholstery Fabric Will Give Your Furniture a New Look!

Upholstery fabric will put some new life into your old... Read More

Types of Table Saws

A table saw is one of the most popular pieces... Read More

The Right Shower Curtain For Your Bathroom!

A shower curtain can add the perfect touch to any... Read More

How To Choose Decorative, Recessed Locking Mailboxes

Do you need a decorative, quality, recessed locking mailbox for... Read More

What Two Words Will Double the Space in Your Home?

Just two words and a bit of explanation about them... Read More

Creating Your Joyful Home: Dawning of Your Emotions

"I keep the subject of my inquiry constantly before me,... Read More

Log Home Basics

As we start to research log homes, it quickly becomes... Read More

Tuscan Style Decorating For The Kitchen

A Tuscan decorating theme can put some old world charm... Read More