There are two kinds of cowboys in this old world of hours. Honest, hardworking cowboys are usually found on cattle ranches. The dishonest, unscrupulous kinds are found far too often in roofing, plumbing and other building trades. Fortunately, the tell tale signs of a cowboy builder can be easy for homeowners to spot.
Ethical tradesmen suffer from the dishonesty of cowboy builders as much as customers do. That’s why reputable workers are always happy to provide proper credentials, given written estimates, not pressure customers into quick decisions, and work cordially with their clients. When these qualities of a good business relationship are missing from the transaction, it’s smart to suspect a cowboy builder is at work.
There are four sure tell tale signs that a cowboy builder is at work. These include refusing to produce evidence of building trades certification; refusing to provide references of past work, including contact information; pressuring customers to make a quick decision before they can verify qualifications; and demanding money in large amounts before any work has been done. Anytime a homeowner is confronted with one or more of these situations, it’s a good bet that the tradesman is at least shady, and quite possibly criminal. Here’s how to protect yourself against cowboy builders.
Therefore, it’s essential not to accept any tradesman’s qualification at face value. Always verify their credentials, especially such things as bonding and liability insurances. Reputable workers will be happy to provide any documentation a customer requests. Those who don’t or won’t provide qualifications should be passed over.
Next, it pays to put the job down in writing. Not only does this help the homeowner get a better idea of the scope and cost of the project, it assures that there are notes to which both the employer and the tradesman can refer in case of questions or disputes. What’s more, with a project plan in writing, it’s easier to request written bids from builders. Any builder who refuses to provide a written estimate for a proposed project isn’t reliable. Avoid them.
The refusal to provide references is another sign that a cowboy builder could be trying to get your job. Competent tradesmen know they couldn’t ply their trades without the goodwill of previous clients, so they’re glad to provide references. Anyone who doesn’t give references is likely to be someone with whom a homeowner wouldn’t wish to work.
After the builders’ estimates are in hand, ask for references of previous clients, licensing agencies and certification boards. Verifying the qualifications and past working relationships of tradesmen is the surest way to spot the tell tale signs of cowboy builders so you can avoid them.
The tell tale signs of a cowboy builder are actually very easy for homeowners to spot. Get the exclusive low down in our complete sash windows and sash window company overview.
|
|