Hiring a contractor to manage a construction site is a commendable move. It gives home builders a sense of guarantee that work will be done as agreed. However, some scenarios have proven that contractors can mess up the construction process. Sometimes, it happens slowly and home builders can rarely know that they have bad contractors messing up their construction projects. Therefore, we’ll look at five signs that homeowners should be on the lookout for.
Unclear details
Bad contractors do not have clear details about the construction project. They do so intentionally to create a void that will vindicate them in case something goes wrong. Instead of showing the homeowner how their money will work, they provide scanty details about the project’s expenditure. It is simple – the contractor should account for every dollar spent on the construction site. Having a large miscellaneous budget is a remedy for deception. Avoid a contractor that often presents large miscellaneous budgets.
Requires large upfront money
There have been many cases of contractors who were paid upfront and never did any work. Therefore, if you notice that your contractor is insisting on upfront payment, you should be a little bit worried about their professionalism. However, this doesn’t mean that contractors don’t get paid upfront- this type of payment should be structured and protected with legal documents. Furthermore, only pay upfront if you are dealing with a registered company that has experience in the construction industry.
Use high-pressure tactics
When looking for contractors to work for you, some will always use weird high-pressure tactics to get hired. Some of the tactics include lowering their rates to unbelievable levels just for you to hire them. When you understand the market rates, you should not accept a contractor who is willing to go below this rate significantly. They will either raise the fee when you hire them or simply disappear with your money.
Mismatch in personal styles
You’ll also know that you have a bad contractor if your personal styles don’t match. Since the contractor plays an important role in determining the outcome of your home, it is equally important for them to understand and deliver your intended style. If they insist on their personal styles, avoid them.
If your guts say no
If you have a negative feeling about your contractor, you shouldn’t work with them. This extends to subcontractors as well. Always trust your guts when making important decisions. A majority of home builders will always search for ‘exterior painters near me’ and settle for any that they find. It is perfect so long as your gut trusts the person.