10 Red Flags to Avoid in Contractors
When it comes to your largest investment, your home, you deserve a certified professional to ensure repairs are completed accurately and efficiently. The challenge? Finding a qualified expert in your area who will fix the issue, respond in a timely manner, and meet expectations set forth. Wisconsin basement waterproofing is a serious task and should be treated as such. Here are 10 red flags that might indicate your project could be headed for disaster.
- Over-The-Phone Quotes: Each home is different, and therefore requires different solutions to basement leaks, unstable foundations, concrete heave, and so on. Over-the-phone quotes take the personalization out of your estimate, making it less likely to address the root of the problem.
At American Waterworks we provide FREE, no-obligation in-person estimates to ensure we can address all of your concerns and provide a lasting solution. - Same Day Inspections: Reputable contractors are usually booked out two or more weeks in peak season (typically April through September). Contractors offering same-day or next day inspections may very well be reputable, but it's imperative to do your research in these situations, as open calendars might indicate underlying issues.
At American Waterworks we know waiting on home repairs can be stressful. That's why we work closely with you to find the right day and time to visit your home. While it won't be the same day as your inquiry call, we can promise you we will get to you as soon as we are able. - Next Day Installations: Contractors offering next-day installations often forego obtaining proper permitting and licensing for the work to be done. Failure to do so can results in not only a potentially defective fix, but fines, penalties, and in some cases, more serious consequences.
American Waterworks offers a dedicated Logistics department tasked with handling permits and licensing for your project, taking the headache off your plate and protecting your home and renovations. - Lack of Reviews: When dealing with a home service professional, be sure to check their credibility. If your contractor has a poor review rating, no reviews at all, or a lack of references they can produce, they might not be the right contractor for you.
American Waterworks boasts an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, an average of 4.8 stars on Google, several certified Minnesota's Best winners badges, and a Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics award. - Low Bids for Large Issues: If your contractor has estimates your project, and it comes in suspiciously low, this is an indicator you need other opinions. Shoddy contractors will lowball a bid and then find 'surprising' issues the day of the installation, running a seemingly small bill through the roof.
At American Waterworks we complete comprehensive inspection to gain the full scope of work and give you our honest pricing up front to prevent any surprises down the road. - Lack of Communication: A contractor that you can't get ahold of is a red flag, plain and simple. Yes, contractors are busy. Yes, you might wait a while to hear from them. BUT if you 24 hours or more have passed since your inquiry, you should be questioning if you want to do business with said contractor. How will they handle concerns before install? Same day project questions?
At American Waterworks we pride ourselves on stellar customer service, meaning we're available to you should questions, concerns, or necessary changes arise. With a call center operating weekdays and some weekends, answers to your questions are never too far. - Large Down Payments: Sneaky contractors sometimes require you pay large and unreasonable down payments for projects. Some contractors may even request payment in full before any work is completed. Both these scenarios are large warning signs. Be wary of contractors asking anything over 50% of the total project cost up front.
American Waterworks' standard down payment sits at or around 10%, ensuring both parties feel comfortable and confident moving forward with repairs. - Lack of Insurance: Like the permitting process, it is of the utmost importance to make sure your contractor has a tangible proof of insurance they can show you. Proper licensing is required at the state, county, and local level. If your contractor cannot provide you with proof of insurance, do not continue with repairs.
American Waterworks has obtained the proper licensing to do work in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Iowa, and we aren't afraid to scream to show it! - High Pressure or Pushy: A contractor should never make you feel uncomfortable, especially not in your home. If you're uneasy or feeling like something just isn't right then trust your gut and look into other companies. Similarly, if your contractor is overly pushy, trying to upsell you on unnecessary additions to the project, or simply can't take no for an answer, it's time to head back to the drawing board.
American Waterworks uses a 'customer first' approach to every bid and project. If you aren't happy then neither are we! We believe YOU are the boss, and we'll follow your lead. - No Contract: When hiring a contractor, you need a written and signed contract, PERIOD! If issues arise you need documentation to fall back on. When reviewing your contract watch out for vague scopes of work that leave repairs open to interpretation.
American Waterworks projects have a comprehensive contract attached to it because we believe in honest, transparent, and fair work.
In the end, home projects can be frustrating, but dealing with subpar contractors can sink the experience even more. When it comes to finished basement flooding, signs of a sinking foundation, dangerous radon gas, a settled sidewalk, or musty crawl space, American Waterworks provides trusted, comprehensive, and warrantied home repairs from La Crosse to Eau Claire, and beyond.