Warning Signs Of An Unreliable Contractor

An unreliable contractor is a person who works on construction or home improvement who doesn’t communicate clearly, fulfill appointments, adhere to the agreement, give honest and fair pricing, or work to the agreed level of quality. Signs may occur prior to starting a project, including: ambiguous estimates, unusual low bids, poor reviews, or pressure to make a quick decision. Various issues may arise during the project, such as delays in delivery, unanswered questions about costs, shoddy work and lack of feedback. If these are the signs you notice early, you can help prevent financial loss, delay, disputes, and undue stress for homeowners.

Picking a contractor is a big affair. The contractor you hire for your kitchen renovation, roof replacement, bathroom remodel, extension or new construction project can make all the difference in both the quality and cost of the job.

Most contractors are good people with a good intention to accomplish the job right. Unreliable contractors can be a big problem, though. Some will be exaggerating and making excuses. Others might begin jobs without a plan, raise prices unexpectedly, and not complete the work.

It is better to make an informed choice before hiring a person for the job. 

1. The Contractor Gives An Unusually Low Estimate

One of the first things homeowners look at when choosing contractors is the price. Multiple quotes are a good way of having a better idea of a project’s price. But if an estimate is very different from the rest, then ask a question.

A very low bid doesn’t necessarily indicate that the contractor is shady. They might be more efficient or have a different way of doing things. Nevertheless, there seems to be a significant gap that needs to be examined.

If the estimate is unusually low, it could be a sign that there are some important costs not included. The contractor may also be intending to install lower-quality materials or tack on extra charges down the road.

Before accepting a low bid, ask for a detailed breakdown of the estimate. Determine what kinds of materials, labor, permits, disposal, equipment, and other costs are likely to be involved.

Look for any contractors who can express their lower rates in a way that is easily understood.

These are some common warning signs: 

• This is a much lower estimate than every other reasonable estimate.
• The contractor is unable to describe the basis for the price.
• The estimate includes missing materials or services of importance.
• Contractor states that it is preliminary and the price would be agreed upon upon the start of work.
• You are urged to make your selection right away because it’s said that the price will be available for a limited time.

A contractor who is dependable will clearly outline the work they are proposing and the price that will be required, but will not make you feel pressured into making a decision. 

2. There Is No Clear Written Contract

One of the most important protections for the homeowner and the contractor is a written contract. It should describe the work to be done, materials to be used, cost of the project, and the time when the work will start and end.

Take care if a contractor will only deal with a verbal contract.

If there is a disagreement, it is more challenging to prove if the agreement was verbal. It’s easy for both parties to have good intentions and misunderstandings to occur. With that written contract there is a common point of reference.

The contract should include, in general: 

• Familiarizing yourself with the information provided by the contractors and homeowners is important.
• Detailed description of the work
• Materials and products that will be used
• The overall amount of the project’s price or payment scheme.
• Payment schedule
• The approximate start and end dates for the courses.
• Define how changes will be managed for the project.Describe the approach to be taken for change.
• The permit and inspection function is assigned to the individual.The individual is responsible for permits and inspections.
• Warranty information
• Responsibility for cleaning up and disposing of waste. 

Always leave the contract in black and white and read it before signing it. If something is said on the phone or in conversation, it doesn’t mean that it’s in the agreement unless it’s written down.

When a contractor refuses to have a written contract, this should be a big red flag. 

3. The Contractor Has Poor Communication

The quality of communication is crucial in any building construction or renovation project. Things can go wrong and be delayed, but a good contractor will keep you updated.

Inadequate communication can kick off even before the project starts. The contractor might be slow to answer your questions, not show up for the appointments, or not clearly answer your questions.

Communication issues can exacerbate once construction work starts. It may be difficult to determine the times of when workers will show up in the job site, if materials have been ordered or why the work has been delayed.

Don’t be distracted by a single missed call, find patterns. We all can get busy or lose a message every once in awhile. The worry is when bad communication becomes a way of life.

The contractor will: 

• Answer sensible questions within a feasible time frame.
• Don’t ignore problems, explain them.
• Let you know of any delays.
• Discuss changes before doing additional work.
• Be realistic in reporting project progress. 

A contractor does not need to be on call at all times to ensure effective communication. It means you need to know how and when to contact them and be able to get valuable information when the project is impacted. 

4. The Contractor Pressures You To Make A Quick Decision

Another red flag of an unreliable contractor is having high-pressure sales tactics.

You might get offers like, “You need to sign today” or “This is only going to be available for the few hours today”. Contractors that are legitimate should be busy or may have varying material costs, but you should still have enough time to consider a proposal and make a sound decision.

A big home remodeling shouldn’t be a spur-of-the-moment decision.

If the contractor: 

• Drops your comparative estimates.Dismisses any other estimates.
• Becomes irritated when you ask questions.
• Requires an immediate signature on a contract.
• Asks for a big sum of money first, and then tells of the work.
• Threats of losing materials, or labor, if you don’t sign this year.
• Attempts to convince you that you should want more time than you actually do. 

A reliable contractor will realize that homeowners have a need to be given time to absorb costs, consider options, and gain an understanding of the contract.

If they’re in more of a hurry to get your signature than to tell you about the project, take a step back. 

5. There Are Problems With Credentials, References, Or Reviews

It is best to check a contractor’s background before hiring them. Contractors may require certain licenses, registrations, insurance or permits depending on their location and the nature of the work.

Don’t take on a contractor’s word. Check on proper credentials from relevant local or professional authorities.

References might help as well. A contractor that’s done a comparable job ought to be able to give an example of work that they’ve done or references from former customers.

However, online reviews can be beneficial, too, and should be taken in consideration. Just because someone has a bad review, doesn’t mean the contractor is not reliable. Identify trends throughout several reviews.

Listen to and take into account complaints about: 

• Unfinished projects
• Poor workmanship
• Unexpected charges
• Repeated delays
• Unreturned calls
• Property damage
• Disputes over payments
• Failure to honor warranties

Take note of the contractor’s reaction when criticized. If helpful, it can be useful to have a professional response that explains the situation. If there are many negative or unfriendly comments, it may be worrisome.

A contractor who is unwilling to share fundamental details, such as his experience, credentials, insurance, and past work should be avoided. 

6. The Contractor Changes The Price Or Scope Without Explanation

Things can change during construction. There can be hidden damage to walls, materials could be in short supply, or a homeowner may wish to install new features.

It doesn’t always have to be a price change. The warning indicator is a change that is not correctly documented or explains itself.

For instance, a contractor may start a job and then inform you that you will have to spend thousands more for some reason without explaining why. A secondary contractor can do more work and bill for that later.

If reasonably possible, a reliable contractor should inform the client of major changes prior to the completion of the additional work.

If an improvised object is found: 

1. Why did the extra cost occur?
2. How much work is to be done?
3. What about another way?
4. What will be the change required out of that?
5. Does it have any impact on the project’s completion date?
6. Is the change possible to be written down? 

Construction is a field where change orders are not uncommon, but should be transparent.

Don’t feel pressured to pay for an unreasonable expense just because the contractor has begun the job. 

7. Workmanship, Scheduling, And Payment Practices Raise Concerns

There are warning signs that only are apparent once a project has started. If the construction work is poorly done, faced with numerous delays, runoffs are not maintained, or payment is being requested for something unusual, it could mean the contractor is not managing the project well.

Issues of quality can range from uneven finishes and damaged goods to unfinished installations or work that is not as expected or is not up to the agreed specifications. Many problems can be cosmetic, or they can cause safety or structural problems.

Another worry is the frequent change of schedules. Projects don’t always go according to plan, but if there are repeated and undocumented delays, it can’t be overlooked.

Inquire of the contractor why there are significant delays and what they intend to do about them.

The system of payments also should be examined. Be cautious if the contractor: 

• Demands a very large upfront payment without a clear reason.
• Asks for payment in cash only.
• Requests payment for work that has not been completed without contractual justification.
• Changes the agreed payment schedule without explanation.
• Becomes aggressive when you ask for receipts or documentation.

The system of payments also should be examined. Be cautious if the contractor:

Calls for an enormous initial fee for an unspecified purpose. 

How To Protect Yourself Before Hiring A Contractor

It is essential to know what the signs of a bad contractor are, but it is better to PREVENT them. Some initial research prior to the signing of a contract will minimize the problems that can arise later.

Begin by obtaining several written estimates. There’s a benefit to looking at multiple contractors, because this will allow you to get a sense for what is considered normal and what might be unusually higher or lower than normal.

Afterwards, verify the contractor’s pertinent credentials, insurance, references, and reputation. Inquire about other projects they’ve done and what they do if they encounter unforeseen challenges.

Before making any attempt to start a new project, be sure to discuss the project thoroughly with the contractor in the contract. Never assume or count on informal promises.

It’s also beneficial to create a communication pathway. Determine who the primary player is, how often will you get updates and how changes will be approved to the project.

During the project, keep an eye on progress and avoid needless interference with the contractors’ work. If any items appear to be different from the agreed upon items, discuss them early on.

Above all, rely on the trust and not promises. All the right words during the closing process may be said by a contractor, but their actions say more about their operation than their words can.

If you notice multiple symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting a second opinion before continuing. 

Final Thoughts

The selection of the right contractor can definitely have a difference in the success of a home improvement or construction project. Many times the biggest trouble signs can be seen when you’re aware of what to look for.

Any of these factors should be considered, especially if the estimate is unusually low, if there is no written contract, if communication is poor, if the contract must be signed quickly, if the credentials are questionable, if the price goes up, it is not explained, or if there are repeated quality or scheduling issues.

None of these are a guaranteed sure sign of an unreliable contractor. Having multiple of the following warning signs, however, should trigger a red flag and raise concern for further investigation.

Don’t rush when hiring. Make a comparison of written estimates; check credentials; check references; read contract; ask questions and be sure you have no doubt about anything.

The best contractor will be able to communicate clearly, discuss pricing, provide documentation of changes, and respect your property and contract. To ensure that you are not making any costly mistakes, you can do some research before the project starts and be more confident in what you are doing.