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AR
Citizen
Username: Lauraf
Post Number: 1
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, August 1, 2003 - 9:08 am: |     |
Most people know someone or have personally been screwed by a contractor. There is very little you can do, except...soil their reputation so they can't screw over others. With that said, I propose a repository where we list out bad contractors. Anyone looking for a contractor will know to first check out the "Bad Contractor List". |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1661
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 1, 2003 - 10:05 am: | |
Not a good idea...
The chamber of commerce or BBB is the place to report these findings. They check out both sides of the story. There are as many bad customers as there are contractors, probably more! |
AR
Citizen
Username: Lauraf
Post Number: 2
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, August 1, 2003 - 12:12 pm: | |
I trust someone who responds to this posting saying they had a bad experience with a contractor. Bottom line is consumers need a forum to report bad experiences with contractors. I have been burned by 2 and want to make sure others do not go through the hell I have been through. |
#9Dream
Citizen
Username: 9dream
Post Number: 527
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 1, 2003 - 1:28 pm: | |
The problem with such a list is that anyone can make an accusation, whether or not it has merit. What if someone has a personal grudge against a given contractor? What if, as ajc suggested, the complaint is being made by one of those people who just cannot be pleased no matter what?
I think such a forum would also open itself up to libel charges being filed by the contractors in question. |
critter
Citizen
Username: Critter
Post Number: 14
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 1, 2003 - 1:53 pm: | |
I would find it much more useful to have a list of contractors people would recommend. |
bets
Citizen
Username: Bets
Post Number: 359
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 1, 2003 - 1:58 pm: | |
Thank you, ajc. People have no idea how often contractors get screwed by customers. I am related to contractors (as well as dating one) and hear the horror stories - customers add significant work but want to pay the original estimate; they decide they don't like the tile they picked out and figure they won't pay for the installation; they neglect to come clean on what's been done to a job prior to a contractor's involvement (botched jobs take more money to fix than to just do).
The contractor has no redress against customers who refuse to pay, other than go to small claims court and drag it out for years.
Best advice: be very clear on what the job is and what your expectations are. Don't hang over the contractor's shoulder but make sure you're kept up-to-date on how the job is progressing. Understand that there may be hidden problems that are not the contractor's fault. |
AR
Citizen
Username: Lauraf
Post Number: 3
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, August 1, 2003 - 2:50 pm: | |
What about a contractor who takes your money, does not show up for weeks, delays the job 4 months, then does horrible work, and then when you refuse to pay in full, he puts a lien on the prooperty you are trying to sell? What recourse do you have then? All you can do is warn others, so they do not go through the same experience, right? |
grw
Citizen
Username: Grw
Post Number: 150
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 1, 2003 - 4:59 pm: | |
The few contractors I have hired were also nightmares, however, I have learned my lesson, I am having an addition put on now and it's going great. The lessons learned from the previous nightmares are as follows:
1. You need to have a plan, it's worth spending the money for an architect. Make sure you know every detail of your plan and go over it with the contractor so your both on the same page, this will ensure you get a good estimate.
2. Write a contract or have the contractor do the contract. Have a start and completion date include liquidated damages if he doesn't finish on time, also, change orders should be in writing, and initialed by both parties after the price is negotiated.
3. Have the payment schedule included in the contract, and have the contractor give you allowances for items such as doors, windows, siding,tile, etc., this way after you choose what you want, you may get a credit or owe more, if you owe more, you can downscale a little and save some money.
If the contractor isn't willing to do the above, you don't want him.
The key is to have a thorough plan that covers everything from the beginning. I have found this to be the best way to do a project using a contractor. Once he gets going, give him some breathing room and things should go well. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1666
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 1, 2003 - 6:32 pm: | |
Lots of good advice, especially Grw.
Having a list of good contractor's is far better than having a list of bad, however, the problem lies with the customer more times than not. The number one problem is they agree to do business on impluse. They rarely if ever check references, prices, or call the Chamber or BBB.
Bad contractor's are often the most accomodating when trying to close a deal.
Their prices may be better, their promises may be better, but as Grw said, "if the contractor isn't willing to do the above, you don't want him." |
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