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Stay informed about the progress of your building or repairs. Note dates, delays, and material arrivals on your copy of the contract.
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It is important to watch over the details of any repair or remodeling job done on your home. There are a number of ways to protect yourself from faulty or dishonest contractors. Start with a contract and keep track of the job as it progresses to make sure you get the work you pay for.
Once you have selected a licensed Florida contractor to perform the repairs on your home, it is important to complete a contract, follow a payment schedule, and sign off on completed work. If you live outside the state of Florida, contact your local building officials for information on licensed builders in your area. These steps will protect you from builder scams and shoddy work:
- Be sure to sign a formal contract for work.
- Read the contract carefully and personally fill in any blank spaces. Consider having an attorney review the contract. If you do not have an attorney, the Florida Bar offers an attorney referral service, at 1.800.342.8011. If you live outside the state of Florida, contact your state or local division of legal services.
- Verify the contractor’s contact information, including the state license number. By Florida law, there are some jobs that require a licensed contractor, including plumbing, heating, electrical, roofing, alarm work, and permit-related building.
- Include a full description of the work being done, including a schedule and the materials that will be used.
- Determine in the contract when payments will be made—upon the completion of each phase of the job or after an inspection and sign-off.
- Set a completion date to include clean-up.
- Include a warranty agreement.
- Make sure the contract includes provisions for how work outside of the scope of the original contract will be presented to the homeowner and billed.
- Make sure that your contract is complete and signed by all parties.
It is very important that you or a representative keep track of the work being done. If there are dates for completion or delivery of materials, check that those items are completed successfully and mark the dates on your copy of the contract. Keep careful notes about any delays in delivery of materials, weather delays, or work slowdowns. Make payments according to the schedule set forth in the contract and follow the recommendations below:
- Do not pay in cash.
- Be wary of those who ask that checks be written directly in their name.
- Do not pay up front. Arrange to pay after the work is completed or in installments.
- Beware of those who travel in unmarked vehicles, solicit door-to-door, and use a post office box for an address.
- Do not pull your own building permits.
- Do not sign a completion certificate until all work is finished and has passed a final inspection.
Most contractors are hardworking and honest. They will appreciate a firm contract that guarantees their payment and a timely schedule. By working with a licensed professional and using a solid contract for services, you will protect yourself and your home from dishonest business people who take advantage of homeowners after a storm.
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