- Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers for contractor
referrals.
- Contact BIA-Hawaii for the names of members in
your area.
- Ask the contractor for customer references who
have projects similar to yours. Call and ask if they
would hire the same contractor again.
- Get written estimates from several firms. Make
sure bids are based on identical project specifications.
- Get all guarantees, warranties and promises in
writing.
- Agree on start and completion dates, and have
them written into the contract.
- Find out if the contractor have a permanent business
location and a good reputation with local banks and
suppliers.
- Ask the contractor how long he/she has been in
business. It
usually takes three to five years to establish a financially
sound business.
- Is the contractor licensed in Hawaii? Call Contractors
License Board (CLB) to confirm 586-3000.
- Call the Better Business Bureau (BBB) 536-6956
or Regulated Industry Complaints Office's Consumer
Resource Center 587-3222. They
can alert you to any outstanding complaints.
- Does the contractor have proof of workman's compensation
and general liability insurance? If not, you may be
liable for any construction-related accidents on your
premises.
- Have you seen the contractor's work, both completed
and in progress? Check for quality of workmanship and
materials.
- Are you able to communicate easily with the contractor?
Misunderstandings during the course of a project can
lead to cost overruns and delays.
- Do you feel comfortable with the contractor?
Remember, you will be in close contact with him and
will share your house with his crew until the project
is completed.
- Will the contractor provide you with a complete
and clearly written contract?
Produced in cooperation with the National Association of Home Builders Remodelors(TM) Council and the National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators. You can file a complaint online, by telephone, or by mail, Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580.
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