My mom sent me a story this morning that is every homeowner’s nightmare: https://www.kiro7.com/news/jesse-jones/tonight-11-suspended-contractors-wife-starts-her-own-contracting-business-gets-suspended-too/HFESSJQKZBE4JM2FV2T62EHIZY/ Contractor is suspended, so he starts a business under his wife’s name to keep going.

Unfortunately, this is much too easy to get away with and homeowners enter unknowingly into contractor relationships without doing sufficient research. So, how does one protect themselves from shady situations?

1. Clearly define your expectations.

   If you have an expectation of what a cabinet should look like in your kitchen, make sure that this is drawn, detailed, and products specified, with the appropriate measurements and detail drawings. Without those drawings, and DETAILED drawings, your contractor will default to the industry standard, and this is not wrong! Contractors are not mind-readers.

   I cannot emphasize enough how risky it is to enter into a construction agreement without a full, detailed design that has been signed off on.

   It is also important to clearly define the scope of work BEFORE starting construction. The point and describe method will most surely result in disappointment, high expenses, and an unpleasant experience for both parties.

2. Make sure a General Contractor is really what you need.

   If you are looking for a quick repair on a door, a paint touch up, and a small plumbing fix, you may be better off with a handyman and a plumber. Hiring a general to manage this means mark up and additional fees for their administrative and coordination efforts.

3. Ask Around

   Getting a list of referrals from the General is not going to do the trick. Of course they will give you their most satisfied customers. But, what if the three they referred are their ONLY satisfied customers and the rest ended in lawsuits!?

   Many will say that contractors should provide references, but I have a different opinion on this. I ask my clients to write reviews on Google so that I may respect their privacy and time. Check Yelp (less trustworthy), Google Reviews, Houzz, etc. to find reviews. If they only have one good review, that could have been written by a friend or employee… a lack of reviews likely means a problem.

   Ask on social media, neighbors, and colleagues. Remember, there will be mixed reviews. When people only have bad things to say about every contractor, there may be an issue with their expectations.

4. Check official records

   Check L&I to be sure that their license, bond, and insurance are all active, that there are no lawsuits, etc. Don’t stop by searching the business name. Now look up EACH of the owner’s names. This will protect you from what happened in the story shared above. If the homeowner had looked up the husband’s name, he would have seen that his license was suspended. Really dig deep!

5. Do not do business “on a handshake”.

   Get everything in writing. Everything.

   That worker may be less expensive because they don’t have their license, bond & insurance, and it may seem enticing to you because you’re on a budget. But, that budget will be destroyed if they mess up and aren’t insured to cover incidents.

   Without documentation, you have no recourse. They are obligated to document for their own records, but this isn’t entirely on them. If you are SURE that you requested blue paint, and they thought turquoise was requested- what documentation do you have to prove this? Follow up in an email to confirm all decisions and clarify any questions.

There you go! you are armed and ready to find a general contractor. Once you’ve found the one you like, take a look at our article about hiring!

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