BBB on Homes: Find reputable contractors for your home improvement project

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With so many people staying at home now, some homeowners are tackling various home improvement projects or repairs, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into and do your research before you begin. Most contractors are considered essential businesses, so they are open and offering their services during the pandemic. There are many reputable contractors in our area, but you also want to vet any business carefully. The leading cause for complaints to the Better Business Bureau involving contractors is sales, followed by customer service. Consumers complain about certain companies and contractors performing shoddy work and being unable to reach customer service or get a refund.

The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips to ensure your home improvement project is a dream come true, not a nightmare:

Find a contractor you can trust. Start with trust and find a contractor on BBBHouston.org. On this site, can see the business’ rating, complaint history, reviews from past customers, and whether they’re a BBB Accredited Business. Request references from friends and family as well. Also, ask them what steps they are taking to ensure safety for both their clients and workers during the pandemic, such as wearing face masks, etc.

Watch out for scams and recognize red flags. Be cautious if someone approaches you at your home or through an ad, offering an extremely low price or short time frame for a major project. Once started, the business may either “find” issues that raise the price, leave a half-finished project, or take your payment and never return to do the job. Also, beware of contractors that claim they’re working in your neighborhood and have extra supplies, only accept cash, use high-pressure sales tactics, demand a high upfront payment, or insist on making a deal without a written contract.

Always double check licensing and insurance. Though general contractors are not licensed in Texas, some specific trades do require licenses. For plumbers, for instance, you can verify licensing with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners at https://tsbpe.texas.gov/. For electricians as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractors, you can check with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at www.tdlr.texas.gov. It’s also important to verify that they’re insured. Ask to see a copy of their Certificate of Insurance, or ask for the name of the insurance carrier and agency to verify independently.

Get three estimates. Make sure to get at least three written estimates for every project before signing any contracts. Make sure the estimates are for identical plans and scope of work. It’s not always best to accept the lowest bid, and be wary if one estimate is significantly lower than the others.

Read any contract carefully. Make sure the contract specifies the price, the work to be done and who will do it, a breakdown of material and labor costs, and a time frame. Any promises made orally should be written into the contract, including warranties on materials or labor. Be sure the name, address, license number and phone number are included in the contract. Read and understand the contract in its entirety. Don’t sign a blank contract, and make sure you receive a copy of the signed contract at time of signature. Be sure the contract specifies the schedule for releasing payments to the contractor. Don’t feel pressured to pay with cash or pay in advance.