THE Crusaders have received an increasing number of complaints against contractors and handymen.
This week the Crusaders wrote about alleged dodgy deal-maker John Wittstock after receiving at least 20 complaints about the contractor, many of which could have been avoided if more East London residents had done their homework.
How can you find a reliable contractor, and lessen your chances of becoming a victim?
The Crusaders consulted a policeman from the commercial crime division, and the building industry’s regulatory body the National Home Builders’ Registration Council (NHBRC), this week to answer this question.
These are some of the tips they suggest prospective clients take into consideration:
Before hiring any contractor or handyman, make sure he is legitimate and registered with a builders’ regulatory body.
The cheapest option is not always best – often, quality work comes with a more expensive price tag. Rather pay the price for an experienced and accountable contractor than for someone who may duck-and-dive with your hard-earned cash.
Inspect the contractors’ previous work before you come to any agreement with them - and don’t rely on what your friends or family members tell you. Go see the work for yourself. And don’t ask the contractor to direct you to clients he’s worked for in the past - he will send you in the direction of his best work.
Make sure the contractor signs a contract that you are happy to sign, and that you are always provided with a receipt for every payment made, as well as a receipt for every purchase the contractor makes on your behalf. No receipt, no payment.
Work out a system of “progress payment” with your contractor – pay in proportion to the projected work to be completed each week. Do not pay a contractor the full amount up front.
We recommend you do not pay a contractor for materials unless you have done some homework and got quotes of your own. If you are able, accompany the contractor when he collects the materials and pay for it yourself. Some contractors and suppliers may collude to inflate prices for materials, and con an unwitting client, said the commercial crimes division policeman.
Lastly, if problems do surface, send your contractor a complaint in writing within seven days. Thereafter, if the contractor fails to respond, contact the NHBRC at 0800200824. — Michelle Solomon
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The Facilitators are the One Stop NHBRC Service Centre for all Developers, Contractors and Home Owners. For more information visit our website at:
www.the-facilitators.com
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