Our Project Consultants meet with homeowners every day. We meet about 20-25 new customers (or returning customers) each week. It’s surprising (and sometimes alarming) the stories we hear about some contractors—everything from their scary appearance, their lack of professionalism, the smoke or alcohol on their breath, or how unsafe or uncomfortable some customers feel after inviting a contractor into their home.
Just this past week, we met a new customer who paid thousands of dollars to a contractor who walked off the job shortly after he started and, apparently, he’s gone with the customer’s money. Ouch!
With Halloween just a few weeks away, here are some safety tips for spotting and avoiding scary contractors, and hiring a trustworthy and safe contractor, in any industry, not just painting.
- Don’t just ask if they are insured, ask them to show you current certificates of insurance.
Most every contractor will tell you they have insurance, if you think to ask. They know they’re supposed to, or they likely won’t even be considered for your project. But telling you they have insurance does not in any way mean they actually pay for it, and are covered. And if they are not covered, then you’re not protected. Ask to see their certificates of General Liability (which protects your home if damaged or anything is broken by workers) and Worker’s Compensation (which protects you from any exposure if a worker is hurt in or around your home). - Ask how they hire their employees or workers, and if they do background checks and drug tests.
You may feel safe with the sales rep for the company, but you may have no idea who that company is going to bring into your home. ASK who works for them, if their workers are safe, tested, trained, and approved. You deserve this peace of mind. You and your family ought to know who is being invited into your home. I’m honored how many of our customers feel safe and secure enough to give us copies of house keys, garage codes, even security system passwords. I believe our company’s A+ rating with the BBB bureau helps, as do the many 5-Star online testimonies our customers have posted. ASK. You deserve to know. - Check out the company’s online, independent reviews, and Better Business Bureau rating.
It can feel scary to invite someone into your home you know nothing about, even if their first impression is positive. The more positive reviews you can find online, the more comfortable you can feel about the company you’ve hired. The BBB is a very important resource, as is Angie’s List, Houzz, and Next Door. And if someone you know has used a contractor before and had very positive experience, that can be persuasive and comforting.
Be safe. Utilize these tips to avoid scary contractors, and to help you find a reliable, trustworthy professional to take care of you, your home, and your family.
Contact us today at 859-321-7344 to discuss your painting project and let us help you bring your home painting project to life. We offer a wide array of professional and affordable painting services and free painting estimates.
To view some of our painting project pictures, click here:
