This blog is a continuation from our last blog, Chinese Drywall Scammers and Thieves.  Reading that article kind of makes you want to pack your bags and go live in the woods as far away from other people as possible; however, the good news is that you don’t need to take such an extreme step just yet.  Choosing a reputable contractor is actually not difficult if you follow a few basic steps:

  1. Make Sure They Are Licensed – Go to www.myfloridalicense.com.  If the contractor is not licensed, move on to the next one!
  2. Background Check – Everyone says they are honest, dependable, and capable, but The Palm Beach Post article clearly proves you should never take anyone’s word for it.  A Chinese drywall remediation project is going to involve several months of work, and thousands and thousands of dollars.  Before committing to any company, go to www.USSearch.com to perform a background check on the principle of the company you’re considering for the job.  For around $40 you can get a full background check, which includes a state criminal background check.  For around $80 you can get a national criminal background check.  Scammers who are felons, child molesters, and the like do not advertise themselves as such.  In fact, they are very good at convincing their victims they are the exact opposite.  The investment of less than $100 can easily be the best investment you make on your remediation project.   (Note: Charter Bay Home Builders is not affiliated with USSearch).
  3. Insurance – Chinese drywall remediation work requires special insurance above and beyond a normal Builder’s General Liability Insurance Policy.  A Commercial Pollution Policy is required to be carried by your contractor.  If the contractor you hire doesn’t carry this insurance you will be exposing yourself to significant financial risks.  If your contractor only carries general liability insurance, and someone gets injured on your project, you and contractor will quickly see there is a difference between paying for insurance, and actually being insured.  Upon learning that the contractor was performing Chinese drywall remediation work, the insurance company will notify the contractor that they will not cover any injuries.  What you don’t want to do is move forward with your Chinese drywall remediation only to get sued by an injured worker who isn’t covered because the contractor did not carry adequate insurance.
  4. Local, Statewide, or National – In an effort to cast a very wide net, many companies advertise that they can perform Chinese drywall services throughout Florida.  If this is the case, you need to ask more questions.  If the company’s headquarters are located somewhere else, but they have an established branch office located in your area then this should not be a problem; however, a company based in Cape Coral that says they can mobilize to Tampa to perform your remediation work should raise a a major red flag.  A general contractor is only as good as the quality of their sub-contractors.  You want to work with someone who has well-seasoned relationships with quality sub-contractors from your area.  You don’t want to see your construction manager introducing himself to his sub-contractors on the first day of your job!
  5. Check References – Calling the references provided by contractors is a critical part of the “hiring” process.  Most people choose to skip this important step, buy you shouldn’t.  References are one of the best ways for you to ensure the contractor you’re hiring is capable of managing your project.  Try to speak to at least three references.  Here are a few things to ask:
  • What can you tell me about XXX company and the work they did for you?  Project size?  Scope? (Did their project take three days, while yours is going to take four months?)  Specification level (Is your house a mansion, while their home was a mobile home?)?  When was your project completed (if all  of their references are from four years ago you should be wondering why they don’t seem to have any current satisfied customers to share with you)?
  • How do you know them?  The idea here is to make sure you’re not talking to a relative, or friend (It does happen!).
  • On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate the quality of their work?  Their subcontractors?  Their service?  Their organization skills?  The overall process?  Their professionalism?
  • Did they finish on time?  On budget?
  • Were there any surprises?
  • Would you hire them again?

By following these basic guidelines, homeowners can effectively choose a contractor who will help make their project a success.  Note that this topic was also covered in video #2 of our Chinese Drywall Remediation Series on Youtube, which can be seen here:  How To Choose A Chinese Drywall Contractor (Tampa, Florida).  Also note that the information in the article is focused on hiring a Chinese drywall contractor, but it applies just as well to a remodeling or custom home building project.

Charter Bay Home Builders is a full-service Tampa Chinese Drywall Remediator, Remodeler, and Custom Home Builder working throughout the greater Tampa Bay area including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee, and Sarasota.  Charter Bay can help with your Chinese Drywall Problems and Remediation, Additions, Kitchen Remodeling, Bath Remodeling, Renovation, Remodeling, Home Design, Cabinets, Design Build, and New Home Building needs.

In addition, as one of the few Tampa remodelers, contractors, or home builders with multiple green building and green remodeling certifications (FGBC Certifying Agent and NAHB Certified Green Building Professional), Charter Bay can also assist those clients who want green features and sustainable building practices incorporated into their projects.

Visit our website – www.CharterBayHomes.com – today to learn how “The Charter Bay Way” delivers:

“Yesterday’s Values • Today’s Technology • Tomorrow’s Vision”

(813) 357-9030

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