In day three of a special series, contributor Jean Chatzky gives tips on how to look for a contractor to make those home improvements
By Jean ChatzkyMore and more single women are buying homes on their own these days, while others are becoming solely responsible for their houses after a divorce, the death of a spouse or other relative. But for all these women, home ownership has its share of challenges and rewards. So, in a special week-long series called “Today's Money for Women,” Jean Chatzky, “Today” financial editor and Money magazine editor-at-large, discusses women and home ownership. In day three, Chatzky talks about what you need to consider before hiring a contractor.
How do you know when to call a contractor? It is fine to try to fix things yourself first. Web sites like repairclinic.com can help with things like appliance repair. And you should have on hand a book like “Dare to Repair” which covers everything from blown fuses to broken dishwashers. But if you're at a loss, or it you'd rather not try to fix things on your own, here are some tips on how to hire the right plumber, electrician, roofer or dishwasher repair person for you.
You can look in the Yellow Pages and you'll find 20 or 30 companies under a single category. Rather than just go with the company that took out the biggest ad, ask friends who've lived in the community for names. Real estate agents are also good sources of referrals, as are stores that sell home improvement products. You can also surf the Internet. Web sites like ServiceMagic.com, ImproveNet.com and Angieslist.com, can give you a list of reputable contractors in your area.
Check references
It is not enough to just call the list of names the contractor you interview provides – you have to dig a little bit. Make sure the person or company has no complaints registered against them with the Better Business Bureau. You should also ask to see proof if they're insured and bonded. This protects you if the contractor damages your home while doing the work. Finally, you should ask the person who gave you the referral these questions:
- Did the repair pro show up on time?
- Was the work completed as promised for the amount of money agreed upon?
- Did the work hold up well over time?
Make the call
Look to be sure that someone is there – rather than a recording – to answer your call, or that the repair pro has a beeper and is responsive. A plumber who works on his or her own may be the best in town but if he or she gets sick, how will your project get completed?
Understand the cost
Before you have the technician come out for the first time, make sure you know how you're going to be charged. Is it by the hour? Is it by the job? Is there a separate cost for giving you an estimate, and if you decide to go with that company, will that estimate be included in the overall price for the project?
Get a guarantee
Most large companies will guarantee their work – parts and labor – for 60 to 90 days. That's something you'll want to insist upon.
Put safety first
You want to be cautious when you get someone to work on your home, particularly if you're a single woman. Tell a neighbor, friend or family member that you’ve hired someone to do improvements in your house and give them the times and dates they’ll be in the home. Also, you’ll want to check to see if the contractor is in a uniform or street clothes and if they have an I.D. badge. A uniform is a sign the contractor is with a reputable company — not a fail safe, of course, but a lead that you're headed in the right direction with this person — ditto with an ID badge.
Recognize signs of trouble
Cash only is a problem. So is a person without a business card. The contractor’s business card should have more than a cell phone number. It should have a physical address of an office, even if that office is a home office. And never deal with anyone who tells you that the great price they're offering is only available today, demands that the entire job be paid for in advance, or can't answer questions to your satisfaction.
Jean Chatzky is the financial editor for “Today,” editor-at-large at Money magazine and the author of “Talking Money: Everything You Need to Know About Your Finances and Your Future.” Copyright © 2004. For more information, go to her Web site, www.JeanChatzky.com.
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