10 Red Flags to Spot a Bad Contractor

 

Hiring a contractor for commercial and home painting or deck refinishing is a great idea, but finding an honest contractor who has the skills and knowledge to complete your particular job can often be challenging.  It’s a good idea to do your homework and ask around for referrals.

Remember many scam artists are very good at being charming and complimentary.  A nice smile and lots of promises can often mask bad intentions.  Below is a list of red flags to look out for when hiring any painting contractor.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions and say no if something doesn’t feel or sound right.

No ID or license

A contractor should be established with contact information and a permanent address.  Many contractors work from a home office, but if they just have a PO Box, be wary.  Ask if the contractor is licensed and check up on his or her certification.

Left over Materials

Some scam artists offer great deals because they have ‘extra materials’ left over from their last job.  You want to hire a painting contractor who orders the materials that fit your needs and knows how to properly estimate costs.

Quick Quotes or Quotes out of Thin Air

Accurate and fair quotes take some time to fairly create.  Your contractor should measure out the house and know exactly how many hours of labor it will take to complete the project and how many gallons of paint are going to be ordered.

High Pressure Sales Approach

Legitimate contractors will give you time to consider their bid before making a commitment.  A dishonest business will often pressure you to make an immediate decision, often times using fear as a motivator to "act now".  If you have to sign the contract right away or lose the sale price or pay more for materials, you may be better off putting the pen back into your pocket.

Fright Night Approach

Honest contractors will point out existing problems and recommend solutions.  Con men will often exaggerate problems and warn you that they must be fixed immediately or the house will fall apart any minute.

No Portfolio, No Referrals, No Thank You

Ask to see pictures of the painting contractor’s previous work and ask for referrals.  All legitimate contractors will have references you can call.

A Better Deal if you Pay in Cash

Cash only arrangements are often made to keep the job off the books in order to avoid paying the IRS.  If you have a problem, you have no record of transaction and will have difficulty getting the problem resolved.  Honest contractors sign contracts and keep written records.

Advanced Payments

In some cases, large jobs may need some money paid in advance for materials, however paying large amounts of money before any work occurs is usually a bad idea.  If the contractor would like some sort of security, a 10-20% deposit is enough.

Nothing in Writing, No Guarantees, No Timetables

If the contractor is making you feel guilty for asking for a written guarantee or an agreed upon time table, you might want to rethink the deal.  Oral promises are difficult to enforce and half finished jobs that drag on for months and months can be a nightmare.  Ask for a guarantee and timetable in writing.

Uninsured is Risky

Home painting professionals sometimes have accidents.  Ask your contractor if he or she is insured and don’t hesitate to check the coverage.  Your home owner’s policy may not cover all damages that may occur during their work, so check their coverage before they begin.

Looking for these red flags will allow you to avoid the shady contractors and scam artists and help you find the honest home contractors that will beautify your home or business.