How Do I Know I Can Trust a Contractor? What Should I Do to Minimize My Risk?
When it comes to foundation repair, the choice of contractor can significantly influence the quality and durability of the work performed. With numerous companies competing for your attention, assessing a contractor’s trustworthiness can be daunting. The Executive Director of the National Repair Association, Edward Meyer, has provided five essential criteria to help you evaluate whether a contractor is genuinely worthy of your trust.
Caring, Candor, and Competence
Trust is made up of three components: caring, candor, and competence. The short answer to this question is, does your contractor display these three things? While it is hard to determine their competence at times, it is easier to determine if you feel like they care and are straightforward with you. A reputable contractor genuinely cares about the well-being of your home and is dedicated to honest communication. When engaging with them, pay attention to their ability to articulate issues and solutions clearly. A contractor who prioritizes showing caring, candor, and competence is likelier to deliver exceptional service and prioritize your best interests.
Check Their Online Reviews
Online reviews are a window into the experiences of past customers. Be sure to check both their positive and negative reviews. Adjust your review settings to show you the lowest to highest ratings and look at some of their customers’ complaints. How many reviews do they have? Do they just have a star rating, or do many of their reviews have comments? Pay attention to recurring themes in the feedback. Are customers consistently praising the high-quality work, timely service, and fair pricing? It’s also essential to observe how the contractor handles negative reviews. A contractor who responds to concerns professionally and provides solutions demonstrates accountability and a dedication to customer satisfaction.
Ask for Referrals and Call Their Customers
Another crucial way to determine whether you should trust your contractor is to see how their other customers FEEL about them. Word of mouth remains one of the most powerful indicators of trust. Speak directly with these referrals to better understand their satisfaction with the company’s work. Doing so can provide valuable firsthand insight into the contractor’s reputation and work ethic.
Verify Licensing, Bonding, and Insurance
Check for their credentials. Are they licensed? Are they bonded? Do they carry insurance, and is it the RIGHT type of insurance? Do they pull permits? Are the products that they are using backed by the manufacturer, and do they have documentation supporting the effectiveness of their products? Being licensed ensures that the contractors have met the necessary local building codes and regulations, demonstrating their expertise and adherence to safety standards.
Bonding offers protection if the contractor fails to complete the job as agreed. Insurance provides coverage for any potential damages or injuries during the project, offering peace of mind for both the homeowner and the contractor. Furthermore, confirming their ability to pull permits demonstrates that they are legally qualified to work on your home, ensuring compliance with local regulations and requirements.
Interview or Talk to Their Employees
How a company’s employees feel about the organization will tell you a lot about how they conduct business. Additionally, the behavior of a company’s employees can offer valuable insights into the overall work culture and commitment to the quality of the contractor. The employees of a company embody the values and professionalism of the entire operation. Are they knowledgeable, respectful, and approachable? Contractors who prioritize the hiring and training of competent staff are more likely to provide reliable service.
Why Can You Trust the National Foundation Repair Association?
The National Foundation Repair Association (NFRA) stands as a respected authority in the foundation repair industry, unwavering in its commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and expertise. As advocates for integrity, the NFRA equips homeowners with reliable resources and expert guidance, empowering them to make informed decisions when selecting a contractor for their foundation repair needs. NFRA members undergo rigorous vetting processes, ensuring their adherence to strict industry standards and best practices. By embracing the NFRA’s advice, you can rest assured that it is founded upon years of collective experience and a comprehensive understanding of foundation repair, placing your home in capable and trustworthy hands.