How to Choose a Contractor
Cleveland home contractor lawsuits have spiked. However, you can avoid one if you take some time to research your home contractor.
In Cleveland, the real estate market is booming. However, many of the homes being snapped up by families and investors are also some of the oldest homes in the state. New homeowners and investors need competent contractors now more than ever. While there are many hard-working and experienced contractors, there are also many who should not be in the field.
So how can a homeowner steer clear of a financial and legal mess? Choosing a contractor who you trust from the start will ensure that you can build a good relationship with them, from the first quote to that final “after” photograph. Here are a few tips on choosing a good home contractor:
1) Check for the contractor’s registration and license.
Contractors may be required to register locally to legally perform work on your house. You can check your town or city’s contractor license requirements by searching the building department on your city or township website (sometimes referred to as “building and housing”). You can also ask your contractor if they are registered with your local town or city, and request proof of registration. If they shrug this off (or honestly, if they shrug off any of your questions or concerns), you should look for another contractor.
If your contractor is to perform electrical, HVAC, plumbing, hydronics, or refrigeration work, those areas are governed by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (“OCILB”) Their list allows a search of companies and individuals licensed to do business in those areas, and can be a good homeowner resource.
2) Do your own investigation.
Most of the time, people are vocal if they have had a negative experience with a contractor. And this makes sense, because regardless of the home improvement job, it is often an expensive undertaking. More than that, bad renovation(s) can affect usability of your most essential rooms; think bathrooms or kitchens. It is rare to encounter a bad actor in the contractor world without a slew of Better Business Bureau complaints trailing behind them. Google reviews are good for preliminary research too, but be a bit more wary of those, as they can be less reliable.
3) Talk it out.
Reach out to a neighbor, a Nextdoor community member, or even a neighborhood Facebook group to see if anyone has used a company or contractor and would be willing to tell you about their experience. This kind of private investigation can be especially beneficial because you can often get additional details — for better or worse — that they may not have felt comfortable sharing on a public review forum.
4) Go with your gut.
We often hear people say, “I should have paid attention to the red flags.” If you think something seems off, it may well be off. If your concerns are not being heard, your questions not addressed, or the finances not transparent, trust your instincts. Other common red flags include a lack of written contract for a job, failure to obtain required permits, refusal to respond to your questions, or a failure to provide requested itemization of expenses.
If you would like more information from a consumer law attorney, please call us at (216) 417-5111, or email us at info@npweisslaw.com to schedule a free consultation.
By: Kelly Rochotte, Esq.