TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Savvy Homeowners Can Make Good Deals On Contractors

Tribune file photo

Homeowners can score some good deals if they're willing to tackle a few home repairs.

ADVERTISEMENT

By ANGIE HICKS Special to the Tribune

The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 6, 2009

Updated: 02/06/2009 11:11 am

Back in May, Scott Szala could hardly get contractors to return his calls.

Those who did didn't seem too interested in taking on the extensive remodel Szala planned for his 1926 Tampa bungalow. That has changed a lot in recent months as work has tapered off for many area contractors.

"Now, I make a phone call and I get a phone call back the same day," Szala said. "They're out at the job site the following day wanting to bid it out."

With daily reminders that now is not the time to sell, many homeowners are taking a fresh look at their surroundings. Whether it's tackling repairs or investing in a remodel, chances are, they're going to score some good deals.

In a recent poll of 150 highly rated service providers on Angie's List, three out of four said they're reducing prices, some as as much as 30 to 40 percent, to secure a bid. Homeowners should be cautious, though, and not hire on price alone.

"We have a certain degree of skill we use and you have to pay for that skill," said Jack Zolnierowski, general manager of contractor ATI Services of Tampa.

"There are a lot of gentlemen out of work right now ... who are not licensed contractors. They're doing side work. Or, you've got commercial contractors going into remodeling bathrooms, and they don't really know the scope of the project and all the details that go into it."

That doesn't mean homeowners can't negotiate for a deal. Szala said he has saved money bargaining on the cost of labor and materials.

"I did quite a bit of checking around on everything I've subbed out," Szala said. "I got multiple quotes and whoever I felt most comfortable with, I went from there. Depending on their bid or quote, I negotiated a lower price based on the figures I got from other contractors."

Sandra Ayers, vice-president of Roll-A-Guard hurricane protection company, said her business has felt pressure recently to lower its prices. She aims to avoid competing on price alone by offering high-quality service.

"Even though I have a business, I'm still a consumer, so I understand the fact of the dollar being that much more valuable and you're more hesitant to spend it," Ayers said. "So, as a contractor you have to give that incentive that you can, hopefully, earn their business."

That's what Szala shops for, in addition to price.

"I think there are a lot of fly-by-night contractors in trades trying to find jobs outside their trade and are willing to do just about anything to make money, which is a little bit sketchy," Szala said. "I don't like hiring people who don't know what they're doing and I've had to deal with a couple of those."

Run, don't walk, from a contractor who is willing to do a job for considerably less than their competition. It's more important now than ever to screen potential contractors and weed out the unqualified. To know whether someone is red-flag low, get estimates from at least three contractors.

"When the objection comes up that, 'Geez, your prices are a little high,' that's when anybody worth their salt needs to go to work and sell the value," Zolnierowski said.

"A lot of people, because business is slow, have laid off a lot of people and are running skeleton crews, so service is actually worse now than before."

ANGIE'S 10 TIPS

Here are common-sense suggestions to ease hiring a contractor.

Clearly define your project: Before you talk with contractors, pick up remodeling magazines and search the Internet for designs and materials. Then, put your ideas on paper. Even rough ideas on paper are better than nothing at all. It will give a potential contractor a better sense of your expectations and what you're hoping to accomplish.

Ask around: Ask neighbors and friends who've had work done for references. If you're new in town or don't know anyone who has had similar projects done, search for customer reviews on directories such as Angie's List.

Do your research: Don't just hire based on a conversation. Check the performance record of the contractor through the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the Better Business Bureau and www.myfloridalicense.com, where you can verify that the person is licensed and see any complaints against it. If your contractor balks at providing references, move to the next one on your list.

Check references: Get names of previous customers and find out whether they were pleased with the work and the timeline of the project, as well as whether they would hire the contractor again. Get the names of subcontractors and ask whether they work with the contractor often and whether he pays on time.

Get estimates: Take the time to get at least a few different estimates for your job. And get them in writing: Documentation is often the best ammunition you have if things go wrong. If you have to pay for it, be sure the fee comes off your final bill if you hire that contractor. Also, ask for a guarantee on an estimate. A good contractor will be willing to guarantee their price for 30 days.

Where can I reach you? Be cautious of contractors who give you a post office box with no street address, or use only an answering service.

Insured and bonded? Check the status of the contractor's bonding and liability insurance coverage, too.

Know your budget and payment options: Experts say the recommended pre-payment is typically 10 to 15 percent of the total value of the project, but it can vary. Don't be afraid to negotiate. Remember that even the most careful budget will change, especially if your project encounters problems. Never pay for a project with cash; always use a credit card so you have recourse in case something goes wrong. Before you sign off and make the final payment, check that the work is complete.

Review all aspects of the contract before you sign: Often, homeowners assume certain specifics are included, such as appliance installation. Know the details of the contract, as well as how any change orders will be handled. Check that your contract includes a lien waiver, covering payments to all subcontractors who worked on the project.

Prepare your family for the stress: This is one of the most overlooked but critical considerations. How will the project change your routine, especially if it's a kitchen or bath? Where will materials be stored? What are the working hours for the crew?

Angie Hicks is the founder of Angie's List, www.angieslist.com

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT