*Do your research!
When hiring any company, research them. Google the company’s name to look for complaints, you will be amazed at what you can find online. Check with the Better Business Bureau and Service Alberta (1-877-427-4088) for a past history of complaints. Every company gets complaints, but it’s how they deal with those complaints that matters.
*Get multiple quotes
Take the time to call three companies and get a quote. The difference can be amazing. Some companies will try to gouge you, especially on after hours calls if they don’t think you did your research.
But remember, the least expensive option isn’t always the best. There may be a reason why that company still has an opening on short notice…or why they are so cheap.
*Don’t pay up front…UNLESS…
Contractors who do work in your home like to ask for money up front, but they aren’t allowed to, unless they have a pre-paid contractor’s license with Service Alberta. This does not apply to companies which have an actual storefront where they conduct their business.
*Get references.
Some people say references can be faked. That is true, but most consumers never even ask for them, and if they do, they never call the references.
Please call them. If it’s a visual job, like siding or landscaping, ask for the address of those jobs so you can go and see the work they did.
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*Check credentials.
Ask to see proof of training and certification. Do they have a business license? One call to the city and you can find out. Do they have WCB coverage? Do you know if they don’t, and they fall off a ladder on your property, or are injured in some way, you can be held responsible?
*Ask a lot of questions
Reputable businesses will be happy to answer every question you have, they will have all the proper licenses, and will be happy to give you references, let you take photos while they work and more.
If a company that gets defensive…walk away.
*Get everything in writing.
You need a contract that details the timeline for the job, what materials will be used, the hourly rate or full quote for the job. If the contractor walks away and the agreement is completely verbal, you have nothing to prove you even hired that company. Get receipts for every payment you make, and don’t pay with cash. Beware of a company or contractor who asks you to make out the cheque to him personally or a family member.
*Read the fine print
This applies to everything. There are some clauses in that fine print that can really come back to haunt you. Cancellation rights and refund policies are usually spelled out in that fine print. You need to know what your rights are before you sign.
Resources:
Service Alberta:
780-427-4088 or toll-free at 1-877-427-4088
www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/183.cfm
Better Business Bureau of Central and Northern Alberta:
780-482-2341 or toll-free at 1-800-232-7298
www.edmonton.bbb.org
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