The wrong contractor can lead to significant problems that turn the “dream home” experience into a “nightmare.” These risks include:
- Financial Overruns: Sending the project seriously over budget due to inaccurate estimates and construction errors.
- Schedule Delays: Putting the project far behind schedule, which can lead to additional costs, especially if the family is paying for temporary housing (rent).
- Catastrophic Failures: Leaving the homeowner with a structurally dangerous result, citing “horror stories about decks falling, about walls coming down and floors plunging into the basement.”
- Legal Issues: Potential criminal charges (such as negligence) if a homeowner or other person is injured on the job due to the contractor’s actions.
Benefits of Using a Background Check on a Contractor
Using a background check allows you to research and vet a potential contractor thoroughly, ensuring a smoother and safer building process. These checks can reveal:
- Professional Effectiveness: Information on how effective and efficient the contractor is likely to be.
- Educational Background: Details about their education in the field and any complementary education they have received.
- Past Performance/Disasters: Information about any past disasters that might have occurred on their jobs.
- Criminal History: Any criminal charges that might have been placed against them.
- Licensing and Permits: Verification that the contractor has all the required licenses and permits for the job.
Overall Goal: Proper research is the best way to ensure you find a contractor who meets your budget and timeframe, avoids cutting corners during construction, and delivers the anticipated dream home rather than a poor or dangerous result.
