Walking is a great way for me to think about things so here goes… Let’s make a deal. Hard economic times bring out the deal seekers and the deal makers, but in the construction business that can be a lethal combination. Property owners looking for a low price are often taking on more risk than they imagine. Contractors trying to buy time with little or no profit margin are digging a hole they may find impossible to climb out of. If we want to go broke we can stay home and save on gas.
Now that I have that off my chest, let’s get back to the “deals” out there. Property owners have a large investment in money, time and future financial and emotional security in their homes. Before you invest even more on improvements make sure you are working with a reputable company. In Massachusetts, that means the contractor is licensed and enrolled in the Home Improvement Contractor program with the state. They also must carry business insurance to cover damage to person or property. If any work to be done includes changes to the structure of your home, they need the above to be able to pull a building permit.
This can seem like an awful lot of bother and added expense just to get your kitchen updated or a small addition to the back of your house. The deal you may be offered to skip all this process can turn out to be a nightmare you keep paying on forever. Shoddy workmanship and materials, projects started and dragging on far too long or worse never started or finished at all. The “deal” you got under the table can leave you with no protection if things go wrong, and if they go disastrously wrong may void your insurance on your property and belongings.
Be careful and hire a pro who will do the job you want, at a fair price and on time. Thanks … let’s walk again next week.
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