Do Your Homework Before Hiring a Contractor

Hiring someone to add on to your home, install tile or cabinets or install a Home Standby Generator? Know the facts before you begin your project!

The July 1, 2015 Contractor Code Regulation 18VAC50-22-260 made several changes for contractor performance that provide better definition for what contractors are responsible for when working with a consumer.

A contractor must provide you with “a legible written contract clearly specifying the terms and conditions of the work to be performed.”(Sub section 8) This provision does not mean a handwritten number on a piece of paper that says, “Generator installation $3,100.00”.

Many contractors are not providing this information in the format required by the Virginia Board for Contractors. You, the consumer may get a lot of headaches should your project have challenges that you may need to seek a legal remedy for. Several years ago a firm operated inappropriately when selling and installing Generac® brand home standby generators. This company was not following the terms set forth in the code section quoted above and many consumers suffered great financial loss. The ripple effect of the entire situation took its toll across the media and with law abiding registered and insured contractors within the industry in Central Virginia.

Not all contractors know, understand or choose to provide what is required. You, as an informed consumer need to be aware of your rights and how to operate your affairs in a way that protects you. Should a contractor choose not to go the extra step to abide by guidelines and the law, you have remedies. If the offer is too good to be true and the contractor is in a hurry to get busy on your project, do your homework! Good firms have good reputations that will be known and will be apparent in the way they operate their business and the contracts they offer you.

Take the time to check the following resources before hiring a contractor and make sure you know your rights. Know what information and documentation needs to be provided to you and in what manner before you sign on any line or part with your hard-earned money.

RESOURCES:
Federal Trade Commission – Hiring a Contractor
Virginia DPOR – What you should know before hiring a contractor Search for “Hiring a Contractor”
Commonwealth of Virginia Board For Contractors Regulations
Chesterfield County – Hiring a Contractor
Virginia Contractor License Lookup