BUYER BEWARE…….doesn’t ONLY affect homeowner’s
It’s a sad but true fact; fraud and deception are on the rise. Lack of moral standards and integrity is a virus that affects not only homeowner’s but also business owners as well. From small business operations to the commercial industry, “contractors” are out there to leave you empty handed.
It can’t be stressed enough, Do Your Homework.
A Professional Contractor is qualified, insured, carries workers compensation, and should have a list of references. You as a consumer whether you’re a homeowner, a business owner, or a manager for a business, it is within your rights to request copies of these documents before signing on the dotted line.
A Professional Contractor pays taxes and insures their workers.
Professional Contractors follow established guidelines within their individual industries, a “code of conduct” per say. You should be provided with a written quote on company letterhead, listing the company name, address, and phone.
Buyer Beware of the contractor who gives you a price you can’t pass up and can schedule your job within 24 hours. These contractors are called professional scammers or gypsies. Many times they come disguised as a subcontractor, but what they’re actually doing is work on the side or under the table, stealing leads, under bidding the job, using equipment and products from the company they’re working for, which is illegal.
And on the flip-side, yes it’s a sad truth that consumers (both residentially and commercially) are taken advantage of by the unethical practices of these subcontractors, but these practices also affect the livelihood of the Professional Contractor.
As you can imagine, a Professional Contractor has spent not only years perfecting their craft, but money on education and on building their business, from buying or leasing office space to purchasing equipment and materials. When a job is awarded to anyone other than a Professional Contractor, by low-balling, it’s really taking money out of the pocket of the professional.
So when you’re seeking bids for a new driveway, a patio, new roof, replacement windows, or whatever your improvement may be, remember to Do Your Homework and select only a Professional Contractor.
To learn more about what to look for when selecting a paving contractor, visit www.rogerspavement.com
