FEMA Contractor Hiring Tips – Sound
Familiar
When it comes to choosing professional construction
help, the Federal Emergency Management Agency are urging citizens to be smart consumers – aware that there are some
scam artists who take advantage of dazed storm survivors.
To
help the process go smoothly, recovery officials are offering the following suggestions:
Use local contractors first. If you were satisfied with past work done by local licensed contractors,
try them first. If they cannot help you, ask for recommendations. If you must hire a contractor you don't know,
talk to several of them before signing anything.
Ask
for references. Contractors should be willing to provide names of previous customers. Contact some of those customers
and ask if they would hire the contractor again.
Ask
for a written estimate. Make sure it includes everything you expect the contractor to do. Also, find out up-front
if the contractor will charge a fee for that estimate.
Ask
for proof of insurance. Be sure the contractor has disability and workers' compensation insurance. If not, you
may be liable for accidents on your property.
Get
a written contract. The contract should clearly state all work, costs and the payment schedule. Never sign a blank
contract or one with blank spaces. It may also be worthwhile to have an attorney look at the contract before signing
it.
Ask for guarantees in writing (if separate from
the contract). If the contractor provides guarantees, he/she should clearly state what is covered by that guarantee, who is
responsible for fulfilling the guarantee (dealer, contractor or manufacturer), and how long the guarantee is valid.
Get a copy of the final, signed contract. Read it over carefully
before signing. Once signed, the contract is binding on both you and the contractor.
Do not sign off before the job is finished.
Make sure the work is done to your satisfaction before signing completion papers or making a final payment.
A reputable contractor will not threaten you or pressure you to sign if the job is not finished properly.
South Hills Electric Heating and Cooling agrees with these tips. In fact
this posting looks eerily familiar to Our Pittsburgh Electrical Heating and Cooling Contractor Hiring Guide.
Call us today for all your Electrical Heating and
Cooling needs (412)537-0687.
