Wait, Read this Before the Home Show!

3/6/2013

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Home shows can be a great place to get ideas, check out businesses, research costs, and compare prices, all while saving some legwork and time.  However, the BBB suggests doing your due diligence before, during and after you go to make your project start and end smoothly.

Before the Home Show:

1.    Decide what project(s) you are considering for your home. Some examples may include yard work, fencing, interior painting, remodeling or hiring a cleaning business.
2.    Decide on your budget for the project(s) and stick to it.  If you are obtaining a loan for the projects, look into interest rates prior to the home show and compare those rates to those offering financial assistance at the show or to the business offering credit.
3.    Make a list of all the questions you have about the project, so you can ask multiple businesses the same questions.  Those questions could include price, what materials will be used, how long the project will take, whether the business is licensed and bonded (if necessary), how long the company has been in business, how long the wait time is before the job can be started, what products they use, why they use those products, pros and cons of one product versus another, etc.
4.    Look at the list of businesses that will be at the home show and make a list of those that you “must see.” Usually you can use a search engine to find the list on the home show’s website
5.    Check out the businesses with the BBB and make sure they are licensed appropriately with the State of Utah, if required.

Visiting the Home Show:

1.    If you are requesting bids from businesses, make sure they are based on the same specifications, materials, labor and time to complete the project.
2.    Collect business cards and written materials from those businesses you are interested in, so you can follow up later.
3.    Ask for show specials.  Do not be swayed by a special that is good only at the show, that day.  Most exhibitors have specials extend past the date of the home show so you can do your research.
4.    Find out about return or cancellation policies.
5.    Ask the questions you have prepared (see Before the Home Show #3) about their product or service, credit questions if needed and general business questions.
6.    Not all businesses attend the home show.  Make sure you aren’t ruling out a legitimate business just because they don’t have a booth.
7.    Don’t give in to a high-pressure sales pitch.  Walk away if you are feeling pressured.

After the Home Show:

1.    Use the BBB’s Request a Quote system to get bids from businesses that are BBB accredited in your area. http://www.bbb.org/utah/accredited-business-directory/get-a-quote.
2.    If you already have bids, check out the companies prior to signing a contract, www.bbb.org.
3.    Compare costs. Get at least three bids from prospective contractors based on the same specifications, materials, labor and time needed to complete the project. BBB’s Request-a-Quote service is free to use and will allow BBB Accredited Businesses to send you quotes via email. Understand variations in price may be associated with higher quality of materials.
4.    Ask all contractors to provide local references and find out if those customers were satisfied with the work performed. If possible, visit a completed project to inspect the quality of the workmanship.
5.    Check licensing (if required) with the State of Utah (see Before the Home Show #5).
6.    Beware of high upfront fees. Contractors may require a down payment before work begins, but it should not be a significant portion of the total cost. Instead, make payments that align with the progress of the work completed. Make sure you are satisfied with the work before making a final payment.
7.    Review your contract thoroughly. Make sure it includes all the materials needed to complete the job, an itemized list of all costs involved, any subcontracted labor and a warranty for all work performed.  Any agreed-upon items not in the contract should be added and initialed by both parties.  Do not rely on verbal representations.
8.    Verify insurance coverage. Find out if the company is insured against claims covering worker’s compensation, property damage and personal liability in case of accidents. Verify coverage directly with the business’s insurance company if possible.
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