Hiring contractors can be difficult. Some contractors aren’t as receptive or communicative, and some are just outright disrespectful. Whether it’s for AC repair services or fixing a door, shady contractors can be found everywhere. If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve hired a contractor for a job and they’ve asked for more money, have stopped answering your calls, and are behind schedule on the job, there are a few things you can do.
You need to start by getting in touch with the contractor. Do it in any way you can. You may need to call multiple times per day, call from another number, or show up at the business office. Then you need to be direct and say that you need to meet to discuss the next steps and what’s going to happen. Make sure you get proof of this in writing with a timestamp. At this point, you should not be giving any more money to the contractor.
When you can meet with the contractor, you need to go over the initial discussion and scope of the project that you agreed to at the beginning. You need to make a decision and decide if you’re going to part ways or continue with the project. You need to make sure that the contractor will get in touch with you everyday he expects to come and do work. All of this should be in writing and agreed to by both parties.
Make sure to never pay your contractor in full before the work is complete, or you risk losing your investment due to shotty work or a shady contractor.
Though everyone likes to imagine they’re handy around the house—the truth is you’ll need a professional when it comes to bigger and more complicated jobs.
HVAC contractors, for instance, are such pros in the field of heating and air conditioning.
You’ll also need an HVAC contractor at some point in your life. Whether you are needing ac installation, ac repair, or furnace maintenance, an HVAC contractor is a highly skilled individual who can make your life as a new or experienced homeowner a little bit easier.
So if you’re trying to find someone who is both trustworthy and professional, here are tips on how not to hire the perfect HVAC contractor. Avoid these guidelines at all costs, and you may find someone who can service your home for years.
Do Not Go With Your First Choice If You’re Not 100% Satisfied
If you aren’t completely satisfied with the company or contractor, keep searching and weigh your top three options. It’s worth doing the extra research, so you can find the best price and also find someone who you feel completely comfortable with.
Don’t compromise if you aren’t completely sold.
Do Not Forget To Ask For References
Ask your friends, family, and neighbors about who they have on-call for their heating and air conditioning related issues. This word of mouth is one way you can shine a light on some of the best prospects in town.
If you have some interviews with potential candidates in town, ask them who they’ve worked for in the past. Don’t be afraid to inquire about their past clients. And why they feel they are suitable for the job in question.
Do Not Forget To Ask For Proof of Certification
Hire someone who has their certifications, license, and insurance up to date and in order.
Working with someone who fails to have the proper paperwork can land both you and the contractor in trouble, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Do Not Ignore Their List of Services
You want a versatile contractor. Someone who has as much experience repairing furnaces as AC systems.
Ask them what services they offer, and don’t ignore this crucial requirement. If they don’t offer what you require, it’s time to keep looking.
Do Not Underutilize Your HVAC Contractor
Once you’ve hired the perfect candidate, you want to make sure you’re utilizing them to their fullest extent. HVAC systems require two maintenance visits a year to keep everything running properly.
Make sure you’re keeping an eye on your heater and AC system before summer and winter. Keep your contractor’s number in your phone or on the fridge.
Conclusion
Hiring the perfect HVAC contractor doesn’t have to be a complicated process. As long as you avoid these common mistakes like not conducting enough research, or not asking for references or certificates—you’ll find the perfect candidate. Your ideal HVAC contractor should be someone who is qualified, experienced, and committed to helping you solve major and minor issues in your home.
Once hired, be sure to utilize their services to the fullest extent. From making minor and severe repairs to your HVAC systems to conducting routine checks, these contractors can make your home life run smoother. And your life so much easier.