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Questions your contractor should never ask

Date Published: Dec 16 2010

Would it make you uncomfortable if a contractor asked you, "Will you be alone when I get there?"  There is nothing wrong with a company screening a potential client, but some questions, like this one, should never be asked. Learn more as Angie discusses questions that usually raise red flags.

Comments

Submitted by Judy on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
My husband and I own a small carpet cleaning company. First I would like to say it most certainly is NOT unreasonable to ask for references for ANY company. Most professional companies that I am familiar with will have specific customers that are willing to serve as references and are OK with you giving out their name and phone number. Second, I am amazed at how many people do not ask me for references. I have worked for landscaping and farming companies in the past and have had a bit of experience with different types of contractors and most of the legitimate business people will not hesitate to give out references. Some actually advertise that they are available. Also, there are a lot of carpet cleaning scams popping up. Please take your time when choosing a company to invite into your home. As Best One said "the cheapest bid just means the cheapest job." Some questions that are valuable for a carpet cleaning company to ask would be: Will someone be home when your technician arrives?, How will you be paying for this service (cash, check, credit)? Will you be able to leave your windows open to allow for adequate air flow to improve drying time? How many people live in your home? Do you have pets? Do you have kids? These questions will provide us with information about how you use your home and wear and tear on your carpet so that your technician can be prepared in advance and know what to expect. Also questions about the size of your home may influence the price. Over the phone some people are very chatty and will spend time talking about their families and work. I think sometimes people do this to help get to know the person a bit better, but you should be careful with the information that you freely give. Not everyone is trustworthy. However in the contractors defense, they are people too. I enjoy a bit of friendly conversation and so does my husband. It is not unusual for him to spend 20 min getting to know his customer a bit, and when customers call me we exchange stories about our families and children. Sometimes my husband even winds up bringing home some pretty nice hand-me-downs.

Submitted by Mike on Mon, 2012-07-23 13:22
As a professional contractor, I ALWAYS give out references, usually before I even quote the job. About 20 with various jobs listed and exactly what I did for that customer. I tell clients that I will use them as references, that's how I stay in business. I give them a hand-out with their estimate/proposal. In it is information about me and my company, professional trade company relationships, government association relationships (licenses, etc), professional organization relationships (i.e, BBB, NKBA, etc.), information about products and web sites that show what a job should cost and I show them a picture book of previous jobs. I also include testimonials from past clients and ask all to submit one. I want them to know they are not dealing with a fly-by-night company. Too many contractors make a bad name for this business by not being honest and professional. Even if I do not get a particular job, most people usually tell me that they appreciate my honesty and professionalism. I am always thankful for that. Visit www.remodelnj.com

Submitted by indy electrician on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
Always get multiple bids even if they are offering coupons because I have found that is just a way for them to get in and try to up sale on another item even if they have to lie to the home owner.

Submitted by Terry on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
A major piering company sent their structural engineer to review our home. He determined that we needed 25 piers at $500 each, to fix our home. We found an independant structural engineer and he found that we only needed 3. We then found another piering company to do the job. Especially on a large job, get additional opinions. I am also a specialty contractor. I find that customers sometimes ask for very specific things then take a low bid from someone who did not meet their requirements. On several occasions I have had been paid to make it right after they purchased and installed something that was not what they wanted. I generally only take new business through word of mouth from other customers, so I beleive that working with someone that has a good reputation is probably more important than the price of a job, because price does not always equal the long terrm cost.

Submitted by Sylvan Tieger on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
We ask who will be home because we need someone of legal age to make a decision ALSO I will never send an employee to a home where there is a "Child" left alone

Submitted by Swan on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
I DO ask that question, ATG. I won't hire illegals to do work on my house, because it takes a job away from an American. Sure, it's cheaper - but it TAKES A JOB AWAY FROM AN AMERICAN. Why don't people get that?

Submitted by Roy Hedrick on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
It seems there are exceptions to all the advice given above. Any one question is not absolutely a negative or dangerous one. There are many common sense rules here that are worth thier weight in gold. Such as watch your conversation. Don't make friends with service people. A thief will rob you regardless of what you say. A regular guy will not, unless he is given a roadmap and permission. Locks, alarms and boundaries keep an honest man honest. A crook once interested, is almost impossible to deter. Don't give out too much information. Don't be afraid to ask why someone needs certain information. On the other hand treat them as human, let them know which bathroom to use, offer them something to drink etc. then let them know thier boundaries, then let them do the job. It is terrible that we have to become our own tradespeople, doctors, lawyers, and mechanics; before we can trust anyone of them. Just let them do the talking. Take many before and after photos yourself, so that you can review if something sounds fishy later. Record any oral contracts you have with your professionals. Most cell phones today will record sound, video, as well as still photos, don't be afraid to use all tools you have at your disposal. Good Luck.

Submitted by Mark Williams on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
I am certain "Angie Will not post this. But lets see how she really reviews , The issue about looking at the other contractors bid is something Angie has completely wrong , My simple explanation makes common sense , Where Angies list opinion is just plain wrong , First reason #1 Most customers don't know what they are doing #2 They don't understand construction #3 They don't know if a cheap deal is a good deal #4 They don't know if they are getting less quality for the price #5 They don't know what quality is #7 As an example . I once went in behind 3 other contractors because the china would shake off the shelf when you walked by ,because the floor was so shakey , The poor home owner was told 3 different ways to fix this and offered 3 different prices . Of which none of them made logical sense , They said they would screw the floor down better , One would add joists , One said they would shear the wall to the floor from above , None of them had any logical approach and that shows just how many contractors don't really even know what they are doing , So I told them , Then I drew a picture of how I would put another 4X12 beam under the floor , With 3 foot by 3 foot concrete pads, Which was code for that area , And presseue treated posts to hold it all together . I only charged $600 materials and all , It took me 3 trips . 1 ,for the bid 2 to pour 4 concrete pads with 60 lbs bags of concrete ,Wait a week then 3 .put the post and beams in , Angie you got it so absolutey wrong , I had to see the other bids so I could convince these poor people that the other contractors didn't have a clue , Angie you need to know about construction and how will you know anything untill a knowledgeable contractor like me dispells what other amateurs tell you, Then write up in an estimate ? How can I dispell lies if people believe you and won't show me the other contractos falsifications ? What you say doesn't make any sense AT ALL , It is bad advise , People need to show the other bids , So Some one like me has the chance to tell the owner to take my drawings to the building inspector , And take the other estimates also , So they could find out I am telling the truth about the issue , Angie your advice could only help to keep people in the Dark about a Very bad Bid and very bad advice from bad contractors , Please " Angie " Contact me you need my help , And please stop giving this bad advice that a proposal is some top secret FBI /CIA paper work . It's not , I have to try to sell the right job to people that you advise to not let me know what other contractors are telling them ,

Submitted by Michelle on Tue, 2012-06-12 00:26
I disagree with your statement. In some cases yes, I would suggest to show the other bid. When it comes down to "what work needs to be done" but when I want my house painted, if I show each painter the bids, they will just write a little less than the other bid just to get the contract. I want to know the true cost to paint my house, not what they will charge just underbid the other contractor.

Submitted by Nancy botwin on Mon, 2012-07-09 20:06
there's no number six. that concerns me.

Submitted by RD Thomson on Mon, 2013-01-14 09:39
I TOTALLY agree with you.

Submitted by Norine on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
I don't see my city here...Rochester MN. Is there a way that I can know how extensive is the covering of this town?

Submitted by Michael Nelson ... on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
I do not feel awkward giving references. Customers who are happy with a contractors work will still be happy 6 months later. ALWAYS, always get a 2nd or 3rd estimate. Not only for price comparison, but it gives you a medium to gauge and compare problems found between all parties, and if a handyman / contractor is trying to scam you. Trust me, they are out there. Limit personal info with any service people. After all, he/ she is there to provide a service, not to attend a function at your house. If a service person comes to your home and has roaming eyes like they are casing your home for a burglary, that is like a red flag to me. Ladies who are intimidated by a stranger in their home would be wise to schedule any work while someone can visit with them while the contractors are there. You may also ask your neighbor across the street to jot down license plate numbers on vehicles w/out a company logo. As for doubts about citizenship; dont be shy about asking for I.D., drivers license, etc. Far too many time's, illegal residents will bid on work and win the bid because it is always said that they will work for cheap. The problem with that is limited accountability for crime, stealing work from American citizens, and no recourse for shoddy work. As for payment up front, a lot of companies will ask for material cost to be paid upon delivery to your home, plus a small down if it is a substantial job. You may also want to go with your contractor to pay for materials on your list. Either way, if someone asks for half up front, I'd feel uneasy about that. And never let them know if the repairs are being paid by an insurance check and the amount of the check. I believe first impressions are lasting impressions. Acting and being polite, courteous, and truthful still goes a long way. A contractor should try to make you at ease with their presence. Most of them want your repeat business.

Submitted by Guy on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
Hey Angie. The last guy at the end installing tiles has no idea what he's doing!!!

Submitted by don on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
was installing carpet for an prof. couple ,and was showing the husband my tools and how hard it is to carry every tool type for all the different flooring types .his eldist son really admired the lge. amount in such a small space (e-350super duty) 2nights later i did`nt have quite as many tools to reorganize,always 2 sides to a coin.invest in a good alarm.

Submitted by Charlie Gibson on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
Excellent topic. You could also add questions that any contractor should be expected to ANSWER. For example any contractor who will not give you a list to references to call should not be used.

Submitted by Rita on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
I was asked how old my son was and is he at home at the time. All I wanted from him was a new cable tv box.

Submitted by Casteel refrige... on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
I carry a digital camera so in case the customer isn't present when I find an issue (mold in the ductwork )I can take those pictures and show the home owner so they can see for themselves why the extra charges

Submitted by Steven on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
A major pest control company asked to come out to my M.I.L.'s house because she saw a lot of flying ants. Bug man went into her crawlspace and came out with a $5,400 estimate. "Framing's turning dark from moisture, we have to close all vents and put in de-humidifier, we have to drill into the walls and joists with Timbor, an insecticide) I arrived, went into CS and saw a CS so clean I could eat my lunch there. No mold, no decay, just a terminated A/C condensation pipe pouring water all over the vapor barrier.I extended it outside the house. And this jerk had the nerve to show her high readings on a moisture meter knowing about the puddles? Always get a second opinion as Angie's list comments show this company to have positive reviews.

Submitted by David Hagen on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
I am a contractor and I would run from a contractor who asked this question. Yes, get references, references......

Submitted by Dee on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
I called for estimates to upgrade my electrical box & run electric to a new spa. One electrician I called asked if I was shopping estimates & if I was, don't bother him. Either I hire him or I don't. The one I hired did all the work & when I tried to turn on spa, there was no electricity. I called the electrician and his answer was, "you asked for the electrical to be run TO the spa, you didn's ask for it to be connected."

Submitted by ATG on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
I think one question home owners need to ask a hell-of a lot more is; " are you a legal citizen of the United States?" If the answer is no, they should pause and consider what they are doing to our country. No, homeowners cannot make up for the abject failure of the feds, but you can not ruin the whole construction economy by favoring the illegals. ps. Homeowners should not divulge if they are lawyers or state of California employees, 'cause if you do I am going to gouge and take a crap in your swimming pool if I have a chance.

Submitted by larry on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
well my opinion is there are more thieves that are politicians , and lawyers than re-modelers. of course there are some bad apples. just don't pick them. always get a reference list. i provide one with every proposal. names of past clients, and jobs currently in progress. if someone asks will you be alone when i get there. hang up

Submitted by jojo on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
is it me or are there a lot of incompetent and crooked tradespeople? why is that?

Submitted by David on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
Ask me for a referance and i will refuse you on your request, Thats personal information you are asking for about another customer of mine. Some questions that seem weird are only to get more info on a job or they are to better understand the customers needs.(this does not mean answer the question if you are uncomfortable answering it just reply with "why do you need that information?")

Submitted by Brad on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
I saw that one of the contractors in his comments said that he "would not" give out references. Do research, look on the internet, look on Angie's list, call your local better business bureau.

Submitted by redhickey on Mon, 2012-05-14 12:17
I am a contractor and I find that a few of my customers would prefer NOT to be listed as a referal. It seems they don't want their name put out to who knows where or any confrontation. However, my past customers do refer my name to other people. Yes, word of mouth still works best. The trades now-a-days are seeing more "short stay" competition because of laid off workers trying to get in on some work and illegals. It's all about quality of work and you pay for what you get. My long time saying is "you can't expect BMW quality work at a volkswagon price."

Submitted by oleburpee on Mon, 2012-08-06 10:28
A contractor needs to be able to ask the question of will there be anyone home during the job. What if there is something that happens that needs permission to continue? In the case of older homes, (100+ yrs) there are always things that can't be seen when bidding a job. A licensed contractor is the best bet, but there are many who will still rob you blind as the traditional lay person has no idea what really needs to be done to fix a problem. A simple roof, may not be a simple roof. What if there are rotted boards? What if the rafters are broken or molded from leaks? The good contractor will ask before they go ahead and fix things that are not in the bid and show the homeowner why it needs to be fixed correctly before they continue. What if there is a siding job and the contractors find a bees next in the walls? That too would need to be fixed before they continue, so yes it is necessary to know if there will be someone home- or at least where to be reached if there is a problem that was not covered in a bid. As for showing prices of other contractors there are those who will under bid and find a way to cut their costs, resulting is a shoddy overall job- just to get the job. Cheap does not always mean good. As for references, some people are happy to be references, we do not advertise at all. All of our work is word of mouth and we are busy as can be, booked out for several months at a time somethings have had to wait a yr to get done, but the customers were willing to wait for us because of our reputation. Good business follows you just as much as bad does. We are happy we are in the good business category. 1 issue in 22 years that was settled to the customers satisfaction. It is important if you are going to give advice on this web site that it is good advice and not something that is going to hurt the customer in the long run. Please talk to licensed contractors before giving advice if you really want to keep your customers happy here.

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