Home improvement contractors are ranked No. 1 in consumer complaints, according to the Better Business Bureau.
But the most common problems — poor service, missed deadlines and unexpected costs — can be avoided, according to Tom Higgins, owner of Superior Products Home Improvements in Littleton and chairman of the Remodelors Council of the Denver Metro Home Builders Association.
Higgins ran a workshop at this year’s Colorado Home & Garden Show called “How to Hire Your Dream Remodeler.” The Denver Post checked in with him to find out more about proper contractor hiring practices.
“There is a balance between good planning, investigating the contractor and understanding the financing,” Higgins said. “Every homeowner already has the facts. They just need resources to help them find the information.”
He added that a reputable contractor will be listed with the Better Business Bureau and also will be a member of recognized trade organizations, which require members to be up-to-date in all industry standards through certification programs and continuing education on everything from changing safety codes to environmental requirements.
A quick records search at can help a consumer find out if a contractor has been involved in any civil or criminal claims.
Asking for references is common sense. Then, take the time to actually check them out. Higgins suggests asking for six references, and then automatically throwing out the first reference provided by the contractor. And ask for references on a project that didn’t get go well.
“It’s another way of testing the character of the contractor,” he says. “You want to know how good the contractor is at solving problems that come up during the remodel.”
Higgins summarized his formula for finding a reputable contractor in five key steps.
• Check references. Before hiring a contractor, survey the company’s experience and quality of work.
• Create a plan and a goal for the remodel. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page, and deter the chance of ending up with a project that’s more expensive than what you wanted.
• Beware of overinvesting. Decide how long you plan to stay in the home and scrutinize spending so you can get a return on your remodeling investment.
• Secure a detailed contract. Contracts should specify what work will be done, what work is not included and the contractor’s procedure for handling unexpected issues.
• Don’t make the final payment until you get a “lien waiver.” This specifies that all materials and subcontractors have been paid.
Successful “remodeling is a two-way street,” Higgins said. “The homeowner can do things to make sure the remodeling experience is an enjoyable one.”
The 49th Annual Colorado Garden & Home Show continues through Sunday at the Colorado Convention Center. Details at gardening .
Sheba R. Wheeler: 303-954-1283 or swheeler@denverpost.com
