Need help hiring a contractor for work on our house...

[dvcfamily41801]

My husband and I are not home repair savy so we are just clueless, but do not want to come across that way so we totally rely on whoever is doing work on our home and are trusting them totally. We just had a somewhat bad situation with a contractor, could have been worse, but things are still not right, but at this point, I do not want this man coming back in our house anymore

We are going to be looking for siding and have no clue on what to ask contractors when they come out to give estimates. Can anyone give any suggestions and or info on previous experiences so I can be somewhat ready when someone comes out. Or are there any websites that anyone can suggest I take a look at?

Thank you

 

[Cinders]

How about looking up a business that sells siding in the phonebook. Go in and talk to them about the warranties on the different brands and ask any questions you have. Such as about fading, sizes, and matching shutters. Then move the conversation around to recommended installers. If the business itself doesnt install it then they'll still be able to give you names of reputable contractors. If this route doesnt work for you ask contractors for references with photos and phone numbers of recent customers....then actually call the references and make sure they arent just buddies of the contractor. Make sure any estimate has all the lil extras not just the siding....like all the added pieces for inside and outside corners.

 

[lynxstch]

and or installers..you can call the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General's office and find out if there are any complaints on file with them!..good luck!

 

[dclwdwlover]

My husband does this & is very reputable - I'll send him right over.
(Just kidding!)

You can also call your local Building Dept. Although they may not be able to "recommend" someone - they may be able to give you (or allude to) positive/negative feedback on certain contractors/siders. I know, I work for one. Also, my husband IS a builder/sider & in addition to the siding questions listed on a previous post, you should also check to see who will be responsible for removing what's currently on your house (if it's alum. siding you can get $ for it), what materials & work exactly will be included in the price - make sure it is ALL outlined on your estimate. Get at least 3 quotes & then you'll have an idea what should be included & a range of the cost. The cheapest is not always the worst - nor is the most expensive always the best.

 

[RUDisney]

If you are taking a loan to complete this work, ask your lender. This may sound odd, but my DH is a commercial lender and knows alot of contractors, and hears stories about others. He has friends and customers calling all the time for recommendations. Someone like this can also tell you if they know anyone who does this type of thing as side work. It may take a little longer to complete the job if they are only working some nights during the week and on weekends, but it is usually much cheaper than hiring them through the company.

One thing my brother learned is to make sure the contractor doesn't live too far away from you. He had his kitchen redone last summer and it dragged on forever once the contractor realized how far it was for him to drive to my brother's house. What took us 2 months to complete in doing our kitchen, took him almost 5 months for basically the same square footage.

Good luck with your project. Remember, the Better Business Bureau is also online and may know about some potential problems sooner than your state's attorney general.

 

[4greatboys]

I would call the BBB to see what type of complaints if any are on file. Secondly be sure to get EVERYTHING in writing. We too had a bad experience with a contraction--to make it worse he was supposed to be a "friend of my grandparents" HAH!
We are starting to have a few things done around here again. I hired a guy my best friend uses--she is a realtor and uses this guy in business. We are having him done a couple of small jobs and if okay then he can move up. Otherwise its swimming with the fishes

 

[dvcfamily41801]

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions!!! Definatley I am going to check references this time!!

 

[Cindyluwho]

Originally posted by 4greatboys

"I would call the BBB to see what type of complaints if any are on file. Secondly be sure to get EVERYTHING in writing. "

An excellent piece of advice! And one more thing, make sure the contractor's license is still active with the state. After getting numbers in the phone book I checked with the state of Washington and almost 1/2 of the companies listed had let their licenses expire. Without a license, they're not bonded, thus you're not protected.

 

[AspiringCindy]

Don't bother with the better business bureau. We checked out our builder through them, and it seemed they had a great rating-under 1 name. We went with the company because we did get a thumbs up from clients and BB. We were totally screwed over. They took our money and only did half the job. From what I heard, companies can frequently change names and appear back on BB with a good rating! Get recommendations through friends and relatives!