By: Jim Wilburn, Orlando Construction Inc.

The Construction Industry continues to be challenged by mainstream media reports that often paint a very blurry picture for the homeowner wishing to hire a contractor. You can avoid this blurry vision by completing a few simple steps. Your home is likely to be one of the largest investments you’ll make in your life. Be sure to protect yourself from the contractors that become “Six-o’clock News Cases”!

The following is my Top 10 Homework Assignments you must complete with an A+ to protect yourself when hiring a Contractor:

Request a detailed Scope of Work to complete the project from more than one Contractor. Pay close attention to the detail…Is a specific product (i.e. toilet) mentioned by manufacturer and model number? Or does it simply say “toilet”? Choose the one that specifically mentions what will be installed in your home.

Verify the Contractor is experienced in the work that you wish for them to perform. Ask for client references and check their CCB license to verify they are qualified! It is Against the Law to hire unlicensed workers/contractors to perform work on your house that requires a Contractors License. The fine for such activity will set you back $1,000 per occurrence!

Who will pay the bills? Protect yourself by asking the Contractor to provide you with Supplier references. This will ensure they are not using YOUR money to pay bills from a previous project, thus protecting you from the possibility of a lien.
Permits! Permits! Permits! Make sure your Contractor gets permits from the local building department for the work being performed. As I wrote last month, most Homeowners Insurance Policies will NOT cover damage due to work performed without a permit that should have been permitted.

Make sure there are budget allowances for materials not yet selected; otherwise they will become “extras”. Nobody likes to be surprised by a bill for more money than they were prepared to pay.

Develop a Payment Schedule! Contractors need to collect a deposit to purchase materials and cover their start-up costs for your project. Make progress payments at agreed upon milestones in the Scope of Work that is included in your contract. Be sure to hold back a small percentage at the end of the project as a “Final Payment upon Completion”.

Get a Warranty in writing! We all like to have peace-of-mind that our purchase comes with a warranty in case anything goes wrong. Contractors are required to offer at least one-year for workmanship and materials. Many manufacturer warranties will last longer and cover the products used in your project.

Get a Schedule! You should ask your contractor for a written schedule that shows when the work will be performed with start and completion dates. The last thing you need is someone starting your project, and then leaving for several days with no work being performed.

Establish a means of contacting your Contractor should any issues arise during or after your project is completed. I am often asked, “Do you have a real phone in your office?” The answer is “yes”. Many Six-o’clock News Cases will have disposable cell phones and be unreachable to address your needs. I always offer my home address and personal phone number.

And finally, does your Contractor seem honest and trustworthy? Always ask a friend of relative for a referral. Contractors love referrals because it means they are being recommended by another person wherein trust has already been established. Would you be friends with someone you don’t feel good about? NO!

I hope this list helps you become a Smart Homeowner and enjoy your home improvement project during and after its completion. Be happy about your decision to hire a Contractor!

The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) provides consumer information on their website.

Orlando Construction Inc. is a 50-year old full service General Construction firm that specializes in Residential and Commercial Remodeling and New Construction. Our principal, Jim Wilburn, is a Certified Green Professional (NAHB). Feel free to call our office for any advice or to discuss your dreams at (503) 777-1127.