8 Warning Signs to Watch Out for when Hiring a Contractor

We get it. Hiring a contractor is quite a task. It can be overwhelming. Worse, a lot of homeowners end up making the wrong choice.

The task can be made easier if you know the warning signs to watch out for. If you spot these warning signs, it’s best for you to look elsewhere. This way, you don’t waste time and effort trying to deal with a contractor that you shouldn’t hire in the first place. Basically, this is a good way to weed out the bad contractors from the good.

Signs to Watch Out for

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These are tell-tale signs that you’re dealing with a contractor that will give you headaches:

• You don’t feel comfortable talking to them.

Trust your instincts. Are they giving off a bad vibe? Do you feel that something is not right? Ask yourself if you can feel safe and comfortable if you’re left in your home alone with this person. If no, then thank them for their time and move on.

Do they have a bad attitude? If yes, walk away. If they’re showing bad attitude while they’re trying to get your business, what more if they already have it?

• They can’t show their expertise in the task at hand.

You have to ask for a portfolio. Their portfolio can show if they have the expertise needed for the task at hand. Do you have a residential project? Check out the residential projects they’ve done in the past. Are you looking to have your dream restaurant built? Ask them for details on the restaurants they’ve built. If they can’t show you a portfolio, then there’s a possibility that your project will be treated as a guinea pig.

You should also ask a lot of questions. Make sure to do research beforehand so you can ask the right questions. Their expertise should show on how they answer the questions.

• They can’t show credentials.

Here in the Philippines, just about anyone can be a contractor which makes it hard to ask for proper credentials. This is why it’s recommended that you hire a contractor who’s also a licensed architect. This makes it easier for you to check their credentials to see if they’re the right person for the job.

Having credentials makes it very easy to check their feedback and reputation. Besides, having credentials (in this case, a license as an architect) is more than enough reason for them to do their best so as not to risk a negative reputation.

• They don’t have the manpower and equipment needed.

How big and complicated is your project? The contractor should have the necessary manpower and equipment needed. If not, then the quality of their work will be sacrificed simply because they don’t have the right manpower and equipment.

• They’re unprofessional.

You can see in the first few meetings whether they’re professional or not. Do they always cancel meetings? Are they professionals in all their correspondences?

Their professionalism should also show on how they conduct themselves during meetings. Do they ask the right questions? Can they provide answers to your questions and exude an air of professionalism? If not, then consider another contractor.

• They don’t have an office.

They should have their own office. In fact, it’s where you should regularly meet. If they don’t have an office, they could be a fly-by-night company or they’re not big enough to work on your project.

• You’re not comfortable with their quote or payment scheme.

A quote that’s too low may seem heaven-sent at first, but ask yourself how they’re able to offer such a low quote. It could be because they simply want your business and will do anything to get it and in the process, put your project at risk.

They should also offer a logical payment scheme. Walk away if they insist on getting full payment or too big of a chunk of the payment at the start of the contract. The payment scheme should be based on results.

• They want you to sign up immediately.

A good contractor understands that it’s a big decision. This is why they fully expect you to take some time to make a decision and offer guidance when asked. If they show up to your meeting with a ready contract that they’re pushing for you to sign right then and there, that’s a big red flag.

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