Floridians who are refurbishing a home they already own or are buying a new property with the intention of having major construction work done will undoubtedly be excited about these pending improvements. There should also be vigilance as to who is hired to do the work. When deciding what contractor to use, it can be a complex decision. Many will not know what to do and rely on word of mouth from friends and acquaintances, online reviews, or will simply find someone who advertises heavily in the area and seems to know what they are doing.
Unfortunately, it is not always true that a contractor will be reputable and complete projects as requested. Before hiring a contractor, it is important to know what steps to take to make sure they do the job properly. When there are issues, it is crucial to know how to handle construction defects.
How consumers can be shielded from problematic contractors
It is wise to listen to competent advice when hiring a contractor not just to make the proper hire, but to know the alternatives if there are defects with the completed project. People have many reasons to complain about faulty construction. Common issues include problems with the foundation, water damage, the use of materials that are not of sufficient quality, craftsmanship problems, the discovery of mold and more. Some contractors might even try to find reasons to do repairs that are not needed, take excess payment for jobs that should cost less, or hire unqualified staff.
Homeowners are advised to get various bids on their prospective project. That will include a detailed list of expenses and the work that will be done. When there is damage that is being repaired, it is important to have insurance documentation and before and after photos to have evidence that the work was – or was not – done according to specifications. There are certain tactics that unscrupulous contractors might use to try and save money for itself or to make more money than it otherwise would. For example, it might use supplies that were meant for another project. Exerting pressure on the homeowner to have work and repairs that were not initially requested should be looked at questioningly.
Contractors must have the proper licensing and insurance. They can also be checked in various ways through the Better Business Bureau and by looking for past customer reviews or complaints. The contract itself could have fine print that leaves a homeowner vulnerable. There are legal requirements for contractors to do a project and conduct repairs if there are complaints. Contractors who do not pay subcontractors or suppliers might leave the property owner vulnerable to liens.
Being protected may require experienced and professional legal help
Not everyone will have intricate knowledge as to how construction projects are supposed to be conducted. They trust people they are hiring and may find themselves vulnerable because they took the word of the wrong individual or company. When there are construction defects or other problems that need to be repaired, it is wise not to make the situation worse by again trying to do it without professional legal advice. Having this type of assistance can be useful to make sure the repairs are made and the contractor adheres to the law.
