Low Ball Bids – Don’t be fooled by low bids. Dishonest contractors will bid a job low to get the contract but after getting the project partially done they disappear when they realize they can’t do the work for the price they agreed.
Incomplete Bids – Dishonest contractors will bid only a portion of the project quoted by the reputable contractors. The price is lower but the customer is in for an unpleasant surprise. Customers think they are looking at an apples to apples quote but find important items weren’t included.
Job Jumping – Dishonest contractors regularly start a job and then pull off to jump to another job. They string out a small job for months.
Bad Behavior – Dishonest contractors are not bound by a code of conduct. They lock you in to a contract and you can’t get rid of them even if they act inappropriately or use vulgar language.
Criminal Contractors – Convicted criminals find haven in the construction industry because few companies conduct criminal background checks.
Worthless Warranty - A warranty is only as good as the company that grants it to you. If a company gives you a 3 year warranty but goes bankrupt, their warranty is worthless.
Unlicensed Contractors – Many home repair contractors are unlicensed. Reputable contractors are glad to show you their license. A driver’s license does not count although it is a good thing to have. Texas does not license home repair company's, so it is doubly important to verify the reputation of the company you choose through the Better Business Bureau.
Uninsured Contractors – Many home repair contractors are uninsured. If a contractor hurts himself on your property, you may be held liable for the cost of his medical care, rehab, and compensation while he is off work.
Verbal Agreements – Dishonest contractors make lots of promises but rarely write them down and sign their name to the agreement.
Ignore Building Codes – Dishonest contractors complete the work in a way that does not meet building codes. Customers are in for an ugly surprise when they try to sell the home.
Subcontractors vs. Employees – Many home repair companies send a subcontractor to your home to bid the work without telling you that is what they are doing.
Liens and Lawsuits – Dishonest contractors have a habit of forgetting to pay their suppliers and subcontractors. Even though you paid your dishonest contractor, you can still wake up to find a lien on your property.
If you would like to avoid ALL of these problems - give Handyman Matters a call at 281-358-6666 or visit us on the web at www.HandymanMatters.com!
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ReplyDeleteOhio---a contractor recently started a job for me and hit his hand with a hammer and broke bones in his hand, the job is not finished and I signed a contract with a down payment already paid. Can he sue me for hitting his own hand?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteEvery state has different laws on the books, and operates under different rules. That said, here in Texas, if a contractor injures themselves on the job and they do not carry Workers Comp Insurance or General Liability insurance, they can indeed sue the homeowner for damages, even if they are responsible for causing the injuries. A company that employs more than a single employee in Texas must have either Workers Comp or Occupational Accident insurance. Many contractors skirt this issue by hiring all their "employees" as 1099 Subcontractors. that puts the insurance requirement on the individual instead of the "company" and as a result there is no insurance coverage. This why is why it is so important to only work with a company that carries the proper insurances in sufficient amount to cover the HomeOwner. Verify that the coverage is in force and that the company didn't pay a single premium in order to get the certificate and then stop paying. Company's that carry the proper insurance will be more expensive to work with and this is why - Insurance is costly. Good luck!