The Pitfalls of Uninsured Handymen
Homeownership has such a rewarding feeling. It’s most likely your biggest investment you’ll make in yourself and your family.
When you’re renovating your house, it can be an exciting and adventurous time! You get to pick out the fixtures YOU want. You choose the colors and tiles YOU want. You truly make your home yours.
As you know, homeownership also comes with its fair share of responsibility. To maintain your comfort and enjoyment, the occasional repair and upgrade will need to be done.
Most likely, at one time or another, you’ll need help you get the job done.
You do tons of research when you’re updating your bathroom or renovating your kitchen…plans, colors, tile or wood, granite or Corian. The list goes on and on. But how well do you research the contractor or handyman companies who bid on your job?
Just Because the Bid is the Least Doesn’t Mean It’s the Most Affordable.
It’s tempting to take the lowest bid on a job. After all, you’re on a budget.
You should dig a little deeper into other factors of the price that don’t necessarily reflect on your estimate. Is the person bidding on the job licensed and insured?
Don’t assume they are. Many handyman types of service providers don’t carry insurance or are licensed in a particular field.
What happens if they hit a main line and cause a leak in your walls?
You’re responsible.
Worst case scenario: You’ve hired a handyman to replace your sink. They are in over their head as they plumb out the project. They do the best they can and finish the job. Two weeks later, you discover water pooling under the sink. You contact the handyman and he lets you know that the job is done. You must find a plumber to make repairs. That means more out of pocket expenses for you.
What if they fall off a ladder and break an arm while working at your house?
You’re responsible.
Worst case scenario: You’re shelling out thousands of dollars for an upgraded kitchen and the worker gets hurt. Now you’re tabling your upgrades and having to use your homeowner’s insurance to cover an injury mishap. The kicker is, not all homeowners insurance policies cover that type of injury. Then you’re left with not only an unfinished kitchen, you’re shelling out more out of pocket expenses.
How to Research Your Next Contractor or Handyman:
Website
Go to their website and peruse. They’ll proudly document if they’re licensed and insured. They’ll even refer to any associations and affiliations they may belong to. In this day and age, contractors will have a website. If they don’t, it’s a good idea to dig a little deeper. Not having a website doesn’t automatically discount them as being reputable, but it does warrant a bit more research.
Better Business Bureau
Check to see if they’re a member of the BBB. Not that being a member is a requirement, however, by being an accredited member of the BBB, the contractor must abide by a certain level of requirements. Most registered businesses are listed on the BBB website, but not all are members. Look for the “BBB Accredited Business” logo on their listing and/or website for membership status.
Reviews
You gain quite a bit of knowledge just by reading through reviews on their website, Facebook, or other online services. Take into account patterns of comments. Be aware that there may be some negative reviews. One negative review shouldn’t be your only deciding factor as to whether you’ll go with the contractor or not.
Ask
The best and most direct method is to ASK if they are licensed and insured. Most service providers are proud and will gladly provide you copies if needed. Ask for references and make a quick call to get candid feedback.
Remember: Cheap Isn’t the Same as Affordable
Don’t fall into the temptation that the lowest bid will be the best bid. Sometimes it is but do your diligence in researching the person or company you hire.
Often, you want to get the job done quickly and have it behind you. Be realistic. Doing your homework will give you a great idea of costs. Realize the service provider may be involved in other jobs and can’t start tomorrow. Any good handyman or contractor will need some lead time. If you have a funny feeling when talking to a handyman making a bid and things just don’t add up, listen to your gut.
At A&D Mechanical, LLC, we’ve been called many times to make things right after handymen “fixed” things. We never want you to go through a bad ordeal with your plumbing or heating and air projects, but if you do, we can help.
As always, we give free estimates and would love to help if we can!
