Getting a Good Contractor: Heed the Warning Signs

4. Heed the Warning Signs – One of the things that would help you get a good contractor is plain common sense. If you wish to get a good contractor you should learn to heed the warning signs. Some of the warning signs you should take note of include:

• “Special discounts” - Be especially wary of “today only” or “last day” discounts. These kind of discounts are only designed to reel you in. What most contractors who advertise these types of discounts actually do is mark up their prices and then mark them down to appear discounted. It is better to deal with contractors that have a solid price listing and will give you a detailed quote that explains how much money you’ll be paying and where the money will be going (materials, service fee, etc.)
• Huge down payments – If a contractor asks for more than 30% of the total amount to be paid up front start looking for a more reasonable contractor. While it is fair to be asked for a deposit a professional contractor would know that they need to wait until they show results before you fork out more money. Do not deal with contractors who wouldn’t agree to installments. Note that payments should be made not according to a scheduled time but upon completion of certain work stages.
• A record with the Better Business Bureau – While not having a complaint filed against them in the Better Business Bureau is does not assure excellent service a record assures you that they have a client disgruntled enough to complain them.