Harvey T. Dupras

Barrister and Solicitor

home:


BEFORE YOU HIRE A CONTRACTOR - 8 THINGS TO LOOK FOR

1. DID THE CONTRACTOR APPROACH YOU FIRST
   if a contractor comes to your home uninvited saying you need work done on your house - absolutely do not use that contractor.

2. TIME IN BUSINESS
   at least 5 years - preferrably 10 or more

3. GET A CREDIT REPORT ON THE CONTRACTOR
   is he financially capable of handling the biggest investment in YOUR life
   a bad contractor can ruin your home and drive you into bankruptcy

4. REFERENCES
   ask for a list of 10 to 20 past jobs as references, not 2 or 3

5. SUPPLIER REFERENCES
   Does the contractor have accounts in good standing with major lumber yards and building supply companies
   If he does not, you will end up financing his overheads as well as your project and the will be a cashflow problem

6. REFERENCES - CHECK THEM
   Go look at jobs that are currently in progress, look at the state of the job for cleanliness and order

7. GO LOOK AT THE CONTRACTORS OFFICES, WAREHOUSE AND SHOP FACILITIES.
   If all they have is a the truck that's in your driveway then consider someone else.
   Look at the vehicles used by the contractor are they in good order or is the bumper hanging on with duct tape.
   Do you really think he will look after your home better than he looks after his own possessions.

8. PAYING CASH
   BEWARE of contractors asking for cash, everyone wants a deal, everyone wants a little less, but remember - you never get something for nothing
   in order to get a lower price by paying cash you must be giving up something of value
   if the contractor is willing to be deceptive regarding income tax, GST, child support, alimony,
   if nothing else you are giving up the value of an honest contractor
   EVADING TAXES AND CHILD SUPPORT ARE THE MAIN REASONS PEOPLE WANT CASH

_{last updated: October 17, 2007}

_{copyright 2007 Harvey T. Dupras}