Home Repairs

• Get more than one estimate on the job you want done. Don’t choose a contractor based only on price, and keep in mind that the lowest bid is not always the best.
• Look at the contractors’ recent and past work if you can. Check their legal history online to see if they’ve been sued by former clients. You can check here.
• Do not use a finance company that is recommended by the contractor; keep those separate to avoid conflict of interest. And have an attorney review any finance agreement or loan before you sign.
• Go to www.elicense.ct.gov to verify that the contractor is registered and to see if the Department has any complaints against them or their company.
• Verify that the contractor has the appropriate level of worker’s compensation and liability insurance. You can check this through the Better Business Bureau.
• Get a detailed, written quote and contract that includes start date, end date, work to be done, materials to be used, and price.
• Include in the contract a payment schedule that corresponds to the progress of the work. Agree to pay in stages, such as 1/3 up front, 1/3 when the work is half done, and 1/3 when everything is finished to your satisfaction.
• Beware if a contractor asks for all the money up front or wants a very large down payment. He may be in financial trouble, or he may be a scammer who doesn’t intend to do any work at all.
• Never pay in cash. Get a detailed receipt for all of your payments and keep them.
• Make sure that you or your contractor applies to your town for all necessary building permits.