Differences between HBA Certified Contractors over Questionable Contractors.
1. Must derive significant portion of income from housing industry
2. Agrees to ethics and honesty policy of HBA
3. Must also meet the following minimum standards:
- Business entity for 2 years
- Six (6) consumer referrals
- Two (2) supplier (credit) referrals
- Insurance and bank referrals
- Must cover all employees under state workers' compensation
- Must carry $300,000 of liability insurance
Beware of Con Artists
Home repair and improvement scams flourish in warm weather, or following severe weather or natural disaster. Recognize the tip-offs to 'fly-by-night' home repair or improvement swindlers.
They include:
- door to door salespeople claiming, "We've just finished a job nearby and have material left over so we can do the job for half the price; "
- high pressure sales tactics;
- refusal to give you a written estimate, contract, or references, and;
- very low bids.
Get written bids for your projects. Never accept a verbal estimate. Prepare a detailed list of work that needs to be done and the materials required. Meet with the contractor about the bid. In order to protect yourself ask the contractor these questions:
- Is the business locally owned?
- How long has the business been established in the community?
- What is the permanent business address?
- Will the contractor provide references?
Make sure your contractor has liability insurance for injuries. Otherwise you may be liable for injuries to workers or others on your property. Contact your insurance agent for more information.