Outdoor & Garden Ideas
Home Improvement Contract Tips
Many a soul has hired a contractor to do repairs or improvements on a home only to find something is fishy. Here are some tips to avoid problems.
Home Improvement Contract Tips
Hiring a contractor to do work on your home is not always as easy as it sounds. Many people call themselves contractors, but really are not. The first step to avoiding problems is to make sure you hire someone with who is actually licensed as a contractor. If you subsequently have problems, you can contact the licensing board to raise a dispute.
Most contractors are ethical, honest people and businesses. There are, however, others who are not. These individuals assume you do not really know what is involved in the construction process. This provides them with an opening to make substantially more profit. While you might think this means they will overbid the project, it does not. Most contractors believe you will pick the lowest price, so they rarely run up their estimate. There are, however, two other ways to boost profit.
The first thing unethical contractors will do is use low quality supplies. As with anything you buy, there is a high quality and lower quality version. While you may want the high quality version, you may have a hard time determining if you received it. The difference between high and low quality is often how long something lasts, not how it appears. The way to beat this problem is to specify the exact brand, size and part number [if possible] in your contract. Doing so accomplishes two things. First, it puts the contractor on notice that you know how the process works. Second, you can always resort to legal action if you later find the correct materials were not used. Since you have everything in writing, the contractor has little defense.
A second unethical tactic is the bait and switch. In this process, the contractor gives you a bid price that cant possibly cover the project. You think you are getting a deal, but the contractor starts coming to you after the project has started requesting more money. The contractor refuses to continue work if you do not pony up. In this situation, the best defense is again to have everything in writing in the project contract. Make sure to include an attorneys fee clause in it. If the contractor tries this tactic, you should contact an attorney. The attorney will set the contractor straight. If the contract refuses to finish the job, you will probably be told by the attorney to hire a new contractor while he sues the unethical one. Since an attorneys fee clause is included in the agreement, you should end up paying no legal fees. This is not the best situation, but it beats getting scammed.
In general, the best way to find a contractor is to ask for referrals from trusted friends. Next, get everything in writing. With these two steps, you should avoid any major problems.
15 of 41 Review For Brigg Garden Chair
Kendra ( 2020-Mar-13 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
Great product, goes together very easily and feels very sturdy with huge capacity. Having read many poor reviews for similar items elsewhere I'm pleased I went with this one. Only 1 person needed to assemble apart from when attaching the lid for which it's helpful to have a friend to hold it steady while you screw in the hinges. Also big hand to www.boisecloggers.com, the lid had a slight crack on it which I photographed and filled in the online form and a new lid was dispatched the next day with no quibble at all. Online retail as it should be.
Laura ( 2020-Aug-03 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
The kids constantly had their helmets, baseball gloves etc all over the deck at the cabin. I ordered this stylish storage bin so I didn't have to look at it. It looks great on the deck and serves as an extra seat too! It was super easy to put together and just looks like another piece of furniture!
Ann ( 2020-Mar-19 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
Very nice just the chairs are lower than you expected ( old people would struggle)
Allan ( 2020-Oct-23 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
Really pleased with purchase. Arrived quickly and well packaged. Low comfortable seating. Light but sturdy. Sits perfectly on our new decking. Have bought second set so really useful to have 4 chairs and 2 tables when we have visitors! Good value for money.
Amanda ( 2020-Nov-21 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
Easy to assemble, sturdy, water proof and quick delivery. Definitely ordering from them again
Wendy ( 2020-Feb-19 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
We were really happy with the quality! We purchased 2 sets and think that they look great in our little court yard garden. Even my cats are impressed!! They arrived earlier than first expected however I was kept up to date on its delivery process with the easy to check tracker link. My husband said they were really simple to put together as came with clear instructions and simple screws etc. Super happy with these, especially as I can enjoy my birthday weekend with them in the sunshine!!
Andrew ( 2020-Sep-22 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
The bench had uneven stain, so it would probably benefit from another coat of stain. It also needs a protective coat of polyurethane or spar varnish. So we will have to do those extra steps before we can assemble it. Not super happy with that given how much we paid for it.
Wendy ( 2020-Feb-04 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
Quite tricky in places to assemble. Suggest starting with the table or stool. The corner units have a very awkward couple of bolts to tighten. Do assemble loosely before tightening up as suggested, the rattan is slippy. That said you do get some spares and a set of nifty tools to assemble with though an extra couple of heads for the Allen key ratchet would be useful. The cushions are very lightweight so will probably blow away in a brisk breeze. Also the fabric is very synthetic feeling. That said the foam seems comfortable. Overall looks good and the suggested cover is very well made and substantial
Anonymous ( 2020-Nov-02 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
We like that we can store things in it on our lanai and do not have to worry about anything inside getting wet. It is also great for extra seating if needed as even larger people can sit on it without a problem. It is a great product at a great price. Well worth the money!
Sandy ( 2020-May-14 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
Great quality, arrived in perfect condition. They look fabulous, so i'm getting some more.
Angie ( 2020-Apr-13 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
Great lights, very sleek look and were nicely packed. Very chuffed with the purchase.
Roseann ( 2020-Jan-11 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
One the hole it is ok. I had a lot of trouble with the centre joining uprights. They would not click into place on the roof or floor no matter which way up they were. Spent over a hour and a half with the first centre joining upright before giving up and making it do with the way it was. It would have been nice to have a few more options on the walls for fixing shelves.
Monica ( 2020-Jul-09 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
It was missing a section to screw into -so had to get someone to fix it. Otherwise pleased with it
Zoe ( 2021-Jan-14 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
Very happy with purchase. Looks lovely in my hall. Comfortable to sit on while changing shoes. Love the variety of spaces. Can fit boots too.
S ( 2021-Jan-05 )
VERIFIED BUYER
★★★★★
Fantastic value for money. Looks more expensive. Sturdy construction. Easy to install and provides a classy finishing touch to our porch.