Sudden Insurance

Professional contractors are everywhere, and can provide quality results for any project. Knowing where to find the right company for the job is not always easy with so many choices available, but recognizing the tell tale signs of a cowboy builder can help rule out those that may not provide the quality and professionalism required.

A cowboy builder may personally solicit for jobs and cold call hoping to find work. Solid contractors are constantly booked and never have time to cal around or visit homes to get jobs. Their reputation stands behind them and they receive calls and referrals to keep them working all the time.

Clearly outline what you need done and get quotes for the job. Good builders should provide these at no cost, however, do not expect it to be inexpensive. In exchange for their expertise and proper workmanship, you should expect there to be considerable cost involved. A quote that stands out as being too good to be true, most likely is.

Ask potential builders for reference from others they have worked for. Many are able to provide not only manes and numbers but photos and written recommendations. A cowboy builder will be unlikely to provide proof of a job well done, or perhaps be unwilling to allow you to speak to others they have done work for.

A contract is always advisable. A verbal agreement does not protect anyone, and can lead to confusion and disappointment. Getting everything in writing will ensure that the work to be done has been agreed upon by both parties, and the expectations are clearly defined. If the builder refuses to sign one, and says their word can be trusted, they should be avoided.

Any contractor that deals in a cash only matter should be avoided. Payment in full up front is not a normal transaction, and leaves you very little recourse if there are problems or if the contractor doesn’t complete the job in full. A good builder may ask for payment throughout the project for supplies and to pay others they may need to hire. Paying via cheque, money order or credit card provides the security of a paper trail.

It is worth the time to do research and ensure that the builder that is chosen is professional and reputable, and will do the job properly. Protect the investment of a building project by knowing the tell tale signs of a cowboy builder and avoiding problems before they begin.

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Perhaps you are thinking about home improvements. There are some that you can do on your own. Others may require special tools or skills. You may not have the time to perform the work. It may be best to hire a professional. It is important to hire the right people for the job. There are unscrupulous individuals or cowboys, waiting to take advantage of you. How can you tell the good from the bad? Here are some of the tell tale signs of a cowboy builder.

Door to door

There may be a knock on your front door. It might be a man that fixes things. Perhaps he wants to repair your roof or driveway. Licensed contractors do not conduct business by going door to door. A lot of their business comes from referrals. If they solicit business, it may be through phone book or newspaper ads.

Working from his truck

A con man may have his office in his truck or van. Perhaps he has a cell phone number. You will not see an office number on his business card. He probably does not have a business card. He does not want anyone to find him. There are very likely, many people looking for him.

Very low quote

Beware of anyone that quotes you a very low bid for work. It may seem too good to be true. In reality, you will get what you pay for. A legitimate contractor cannot afford to do the work for a very low amount.

Down payment

If anyone asks you for the money upfront, this is a bad sign. Reputable contractors do not conduct business this way. If someone cannot afford to buy materials, there is something wrong. A con man will make excuses for needing the money. Perhaps he has very low overhead. Actually he wants the money now, so he can disappear.

Cash payment

Does he insist on a cash payment for the work? Con men always work for cash. It cannot be traced. He does not own a bank account, to cash checks. You will not see the money or the con man again, if you give him cash. A reputable contractor will accept other forms of payment.

Summary

Someone may come to your door with an offer to fix something. He will do the work very cheap. He may want payment in cash, before he begins. He probably does not have business cards or an office. This is some of the tell tale signs of a cowboy builder.

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