Secret #1: Avoid Common Misconceptions and Mistakes

Misconception #1: If the Better Business Bureau doesn’t have any complaints against the contractor, he must be qualified.

This is a common and often costly misconception. In fact, just because a contractor doesn’t have any complaints with the BBB, does not mean you’re working with someone who is a reputable professional.

On the other hand, it would be very wise to pick a contractor who is a member of the BBB. You need to investigate the company further. Many contractors, though they have no BBB complaints, do not do a satisfactory job (much less a superior job). To ensure you’re dealing with a reputable professional, use the BBB as a starting place, not the only place.

Misconception #2: Going with the lowest price saves you money.

No, not necessarily! Everyone Tends To Look For the Lowest Price! On a low estimate, you must ask yourself what is being left out or what short cut is being taken.

One roofer had his re-roof job $300 cheaper than anyone else did. The homeowner wanted to save money and accepted his proposal. After the job was completed, all the old shingles and nails were still laying around the yard and shrubs and the homeowner was having a fit. The contractor told them that he had not figured the clean up in his proposal and that was how he could do the job so much cheaper.

One of the most common signs of trouble ahead is someone offering to do work for much less money than others. Chuck Morn learned that lesson the hard way when he converted an attic to living space at his Green View Drive home.

“It was a $50,000 project, but the contractor bid $40, 000,” Morn said. Not only did he not finish the project, we had to get someone else to finish the project.” Meanwhile, the first contractor declared bankruptcy, leaving Morn stuck with bills from sub-contractors liens.

“It ended up costing a lot more,” Morn said. Now, Morn is adding a deck and 600 square feet of living space. “Our thought was, this time let’s go with the best contractor we can find,” he said.

Like anything else, you can’t get somethin’ for nothin’. Be careful of choosing your remodeler based upon the lowest price.

Misconception #3: Doing it Yourself Saves Money.

No! Sometimes the “weekend warrior” can undertake small projects like painting, hanging wallpaper, routine repairs, etc. But beware of undertaking larger, more complicated projects. What starts out as an attempt to save money can turn into a costly mess. All too often the job is botched and it costs more to have a professional come in and fix what’s been done. According to an article in the Houston Chronicle, less than 20% of these do-it-yourself jobs work out, mostly due to lack of experience on the part of the homeowner. If you want to be assured your project will turn out the way you want it, call a qualified professional.

Misconception #4: If a person claims to have many years of experience, they must do quality work.

No! I can’t tell you how many people receive bad workmanship from contractors who’ve claimed to be in business for 15 years. Take experience claims with a grain of salt. Don’t believe just because a person has twenty years experience that he will do a good job. He could have done a poor job for twenty years. Investigate further to make sure you’re dealing with a qualified professional. If they do great work their customers will have written letters to them giving thanks for a job well done.