))
Red Flags and Green Lights: Your Complete Guide to Vetting Contractors Before They Touch Your Home
Manage episode 491291629 series 2911349
Content provided by David Pelligrinelli. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by David Pelligrinelli or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
Episode Description
Learn how to determine if a contractor is truly qualified and trustworthy before they start work on your home. This episode covers essential steps for vetting contractors beyond just finding one who's available - focusing on how to judge their quality, professionalism, and reliability.
Key Topics Covered:
- Verify Licensing Requirements
- Ensure contractors have proper state licensing for their trade (general contractor, subcontractor, electrician)
- Check that licenses are current and valid, not expired
- Research complaint history through state licensing divisions
- Look for any license suspensions or revocations
- Confirm Insurance Coverage
- Verify liability insurance, bonding, and workers' compensation coverage
- Understand that licensing divisions typically maintain insurance records
- Know that cancelled insurance often results in automatic license suspension
- Protect yourself from liability if workers are injured on your property
- Research Past Work History
- Pull permit records from county offices to review previous projects
- Analyze project timelines and compare to current estimates
- Check inspection records for first-time approvals vs. multiple attempts
- Review proper paperwork filing and permit compliance
- Evaluate Completed Projects
- Drive by previous job sites to assess work quality
- Look for level siding, well-built decks, and professional craftsmanship
- Consider respectfully contacting past clients via mail for feedback
- Ask contractors about current active job sites you can visit
- Assess Job Site Organization
- Observe material organization and waste management practices
- Check for safety protocols including proper ladder and scaffolding use
- Evaluate trip hazard management and site cleanliness
- Notice vehicle parking and overall site staging
- Inspect Equipment and Vehicles
- Look beyond the salesperson's vehicle to actual work trucks
- Check equipment condition, cleanliness, and maintenance
- Visit staging yards during off-hours to see equipment storage
- Watch for hydraulic leaks and general equipment care
- Consider Long-term Relationship
- Remember you'll deal with workers' behavior during construction
- Factor in noise, language, and professionalism on your property
- Think about workmanship quality lasting years or decades
- Evaluate if you can live with their work standards long-term
- Digital Portfolio Review
- Look for contractor YouTube channels documenting their work
- Study how quality builders run their operations
- Compare online examples to what you observe in person
- Use educational content to better evaluate your potential contractor
Listener Engagement
Share your experiences with good or bad contractors in the comments - help fellow homeowners learn from your experiences!
2000 episodes
Share
