Protect Your Family and Home: Hire a Professional Contractor

This week's post is an excerpt from a recent News Release from National PHCC.  The information is timely with so many people in New York and New Jersey still recovering from Hurricane Sandy.  However, these guidelines should be used whenever you hire someone to work on your home.

Tips to Help You Make the Right Choice

Finding a Contractor:

• Check local licenses.  Many localities require that plumbing, heating and cooling contractors be licensed to ensure that all health, safety and building codes are followed.  If that's the case where you live, ask the contractor for his or her license number.
• Confirm insurance credentials.  Ask to see the contractor's proof of liability and worker's compensation insurance.  This is to make sure you're not liable for accidents on your property.
• Ask for references.  Ask the contractor for names of previous customers in the area.  Contact those people and ask their opinion of the work.
• Check reputation.  Call you Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the contractor.
• Look for the PHCC logo.  PHCC members are professionals who are dedicated to using the latest technology, promoting energy and water conservation, and following all health and safety regulations. For a list of contractor members in your area visit phccweb.org.

Working with a Contractor:

• Request an estimate.  To get an idea of the overall cost, ask for an estimate.  Choosing a contractor should be based on more than just the lowest estimate.  Quality of work and reliability count, too.
• Ask about financing for system replacements.  You be able to lighten the financial burden of replacing water heaters, boiler and other plumbing or HVACR equipment.
• Don't pay in cash.  It can be tempting to seek a quick fix, but make sure you have a paper trail for all transactions and services completed on your home - especially after a disaster.