Every year the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs receives thousands of complaints from consumers who hire contractors to do costly repair projects and who are less than satisfied with the results. NJ Consumer Affairs gives a list of recommendations to consumers looking to hire a home improvement contractor.
First it defines “who is a home improvement contractor?”
Home improvement contractors are individuals and companies involved in repairing, renovating, modernizing, installing, replacing, improving, restoring, painting, constructing, remodeling, moving, or demolishing residential or noncommercial properties.
Home improvement contractors include those who work on residential driveways, sidewalks, swimming pools, terraces, patios, additions, landscaping, fences, porches, windows, doors, cabinets, kitchens, bathrooms, garages, finished basements, basement waterproofing, insulation installation, roofing and siding, wall-to-wall carpeting or attached or inlaid floor coverings, and more.
NJ Consumer Affairs then offers the following tips for consumers:
- Check that the contractor is registered with the state and see if they have any complaints filed against them. (njconsumeraffairs.gov)
- Get multiple proposals for your project. Ask how long the contractor has been in business and ask to see their liability insurance.
- Shop around for financing. The financing offered by the contractor may not be the best you could get for your project.
- Don’t pay for the entire project upfront. Not only would reputable contractors not ask for this – it’s also against the law to ask for money before the improvement is completed.
They also give the following warning signs that consumers should avoid. Don’t sign up with a contractor if:
- the contractor doesn’t want to give you a written contract
- the contractor demands payment in cash
- the contractor only has a PO box listed
- the contractor doesn’t have a registration number
- the contractor approaches you first citing work they’re “doing in the area” or offering free inspections for storm damage
Roofing Contractor Checklist
George J Keller and Sons have been installing roofs and siding since 1980 and recommend to their clients that they follow a rigorous checklist when selecting a roofing contractor. Their checklist covers much of the same ground that NJ Consumer Affairs suggests but also includes asking for a reference list and confirming that you’ll receive a warranty in writing before the work begins. Access the roofing contractor checklist here (https://gjkeller.com/selecting-a-contractor/) and whether or not you go with George J Keller for your project at least you know you’ll be employing a reputable roofing contractor.
If you’re interested in getting a no-obligation quote for a new roof or siding for your house please give us a call today at 973-927-0963 or use our online booking application. We look forward to working with you!