6 Signs of a Bad Contractor You Can’t Afford to Ignore

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You need to be able to identify a bad contractor if you’re a homeowner, even if you’re not heavily involved in the contractor screening process. There are some definite red flags that you should look out for, so that you can avoid ending up with someone who will cause you nothing but headaches. Before embarking on a project and hiring your next contractor, ensure you’re aware of these 6 warning signs.

1. The Contract Is Nonexistent (or Weak)

You’ve probably heard it a million times before, but a contract is the essential part of any business relationship. It establishes the terms and conditions of your agreement, and it protects you in the event that your contractor fails to deliver.

If your contractor doesn’t want to sign a contract, they’re probably not a professional. A contract is not only important to you, but it’s also important to the contractor. After all, a contract protects them as well, and it establishes their legal rights and responsibilities.

If a contractor does want to sign a contract, but the contract is either vague or weak, you’re probably looking at a bad contractor. A contract should be very clear and concise, and it should lay out everything that the contractor is responsible for.

2. They’re Not Licensed or Insured

An unlicensed or uninsured contractor is a huge red flag. In most states, contractors are required to have a license, which they can only get by completing an accredited program. This program ensures that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the job.

Additionally, contractors are required to be insured. This means that they have insurance to cover any damages or injuries that occur during the course of the project. This is important because you don’t want to be held liable for any accidents that occur.

If a contractor is not licensed or insured, you should not hire them. It’s simply not worth the risk.

3. They Have a Bad Reputation

Before you sign on the dotted line, do your research. Use Google and social media to see what other people have said about the contractor in question. If you can’t find anything, this may be a warning sign. It’s possible that the contractor hasn’t been in business for very long, but this may also indicate that they have something to hide.

It’s also important to ask around and see if you know anyone who has used the contractor in question. If they have, ask if they would recommend them.

4. They Have Terrible Reviews

If the contractor you’re considering has terrible reviews, you should look elsewhere.

It’s as simple as that.

There are plenty of great contractors out there that will do a great job at a fair price. There’s no need to settle for less.

5. They Have a Bad Rating with the BBB

The Better Business Bureau is an impartial organization that rates businesses based on their reputation, the number of complaints they receive, and other factors. They also give businesses a letter grade, A through F.

It’s a good idea to check the BBB rating of any contractor you’re considering hiring. If they have a bad rating, it’s a good idea to look elsewhere.

6. They Don’t Offer a Warranty

If a contractor doesn’t offer a warranty on their work, it’s a good sign that they don’t expect you to be happy with it.

A good contractor will always offer a warranty on their work. They want you to be happy with the job they did for you and will stand behind their work.

Conclusion

If you’re ever in the process of hiring a contractor, it’s important to be on the lookout for some key signs that could indicate that you’re about to make a bad hire. Some of the most common warning signs include a lack of transparency, unrealistic promises, a refusal to put anything in writing, and a lack of professionalism. If you encounter any of these red flags during the hiring process, it’s best to move on and look for another contractor.

If you are looking for custom builders in Ottawa, come to Sierra Gate Homes. With more than 25 years of experience in residential construction, Sierra Gate Homes has the expertise to guide you through every step in the process of building your custom home, adding an addition or renovating an existing property.

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