Check out contractors before you build

Scenario No. 1: After several days of labor, the roofing contractor takes his customers, a couple, out to see their new roof. The three of them admire the new roof from the front yard. The contractor pushes for his final payment, they write the check and he’s gone. Later that day, the wife goes out the back door to do some yard work and only then notices the roof on the back of the home hasn’t been replaced.

Scenario No. 2: With plans in hand for their dream home, a family begins meeting with and getting bids from several home builders. Of course, nearly everything comes in higher than they anticipated so they begin to scale back the project. One of the contractors, however, offers a bid they can handle, with few changes. They accept the bid and begin construction. Later, they find the reason for the low bidder’s economy: all of the allowances for carpet, appliances and lighting are so low they’re impossible to fulfill. The change orders end up bringing the cost well above the other bids.

I could fill this space with stories like these, but a lot of the tales the BBB is hearing this summer can be summed up in one statement: A homeowner hired a guy for construction or remodeling work and didn’t check his references and his record with the BBB, or verify his insurance and proper licensing.

My personal favorites are problems that occur in the middle of a project, when the homeowner calls the BBB and admits he or she hired a contractor knowing that person wasn’t licensed or insured because the contractor offered the best deal.

Licensing and insurance regulations are clear in Washington and quite easy to check. But be sure to verify the contractor’s registration number; it’s not unheard of to have a contractor list a bogus number in an advertisement or on printed materials.

As of July 1, Idaho has a new contractor-registration system. Its Web site is under development, but keep checking www.ibol.idaho.gov/cont.htm to see what rules apply to your project. If you can’t access the Web site, the phone number is: (208) 377-3550.

Out-of-state property owners are really at risk. We’re seeing many non-residents buy real estate in our area, hire a shady character and get ripped off. What a welcome to the Inland Northwest.

So, what does a consumer need to do before hiring a contractor?

•Verify all insurance and licensing with the issuer;

•Ask for references and check them;

•Check with thelocalbbb.com.

Of course, the contractors aren’t always at fault. I also could fill this space with stories about remodeling or building projects that involved abusive, unreasonable and outrageous customers.

To not become one of these, be sure to enter into a project with realistic expectations, a sense of humor and a whole lot of patience. You will come out a much happier and satisfied client.

Remember, too, your contractor is no marriage counselor. If you’re arguing about a project, don’t put your contractor in the middle of your domestic disagreements.

Things happen: subcontractors are late, the fixtures are back-ordered or all the concrete is in China. Expect delays.

And expect that you will change your mind. Just time your changes: If you’re not sure about that carpet, ask for a bigger sample and make a final decision before they lay 40 yards of it.

Changes and additions to most contracts will cost you, as well they should. Just get change orders as you go; nobody likes a huge surprise at the end of a big project.

Communicate. Builders are not mind readers. So, you showed them a picture and thought they understood. Don’t assume — make sure.

You want to “help” to save money? Better idea: You hired a professional for a reason, let them do their work. Would you go in for a haircut only to have the stylist just do the back while you do the sides? I think not.

You get what you pay for. I remember a walk-through I did once with a builder and his customer. The relationship was strained over the course of the project and I quickly understood why. The customer had chosen standard items in all areas, like carpet, fixtures and cabinets, yet clearly expected the home to look like the model with all the upgraded items. It never did.

We spend so much time and money on our homes. Make sure you’re adding to the value, not creating a problem.