- Ask them if you can visit their home to see the completed job?
- Assess the level of satisfaction and inquire about the time the contractor took to complete the project.
- Did the contractor gave updates about the status of the project, and any problems along the way?
- What about the unexpected costs? If so, what were they?
- Did workers show up on time? Did they clean up after finishing the job?
- Would you recommend the contractor?
- Would you use the contractor again?
Understanding Your Payment Options
There are several payment options available for most home improvement and maintenance and repair related projects. You can get a home improvement loan or you can also ask the contractor to arrange financing for larger projects. For smaller projects, the opt for easier payment options such as pay by check or credit card. Avoid any payments in cash. Before deciding the payment options please make sure that you have a reasonable payment schedule and a fair interest rate. Here are some additional tips which will be very helpful for you in payment related issues.:
Try to limit your down payment to a bare minimum. Some state laws also bar the contractors on the down payment. Contact your state or local consumer agency to find out the exact payment options permitted in your area.
Try to make payments as when contingent upon completion of a defined amount of work. The payments can be delayed if if the work is not proceeding according to schedule.
Don’t make the final payment or sign an affidavit of final release until you are satisfied with the work and are satisfied that the subcontractors and suppliers have been paid fully. Lien laws in your state may allow subcontractors and/or suppliers to file a mechanic’s lien against your home to satisfy their unpaid bills. The agencies may have a lien on your property to sell it to pay the subcontractors and the suppliers. Get full information by any of the local consumer agency for an explanation of lien laws where you live.
Confirm with the state or local laws that limit the amount by which the final bill can exceed the estimate, unless you have approved the increase. Check with your local consumer agency.
If you have a problem with merchandise or services that you charged to a credit card, and you have made a good faith effort to work out the problem with the seller, you have the right to withhold from the card issuer payment for the merchandise or services. You can withhold payment up to the amount of credit outstanding for the purchase, plus any finance or related charges.
