Contractors

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.

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• Call (800) 664-4435 for a free copy of the Consumer’s Resource Handbook – lists all Better Business Bureau’s, Consumer Affairs offices, Attorney General offices, etc in the U.S. (published by the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs)
• Contact your local Consumer Affairs office for guidance on finding a reputable contractor

Hiring contractors with a surety bond protects you financially because you can be compensated if the contractor fails to complete the job properly or breaches the contract. It also indicates that the contractor has been vetted and meets certain professional and legal standards, giving you greater confidence in their reliability. Overall, choosing a bonded contractor reduces risk and helps ensure your project is completed as agreed. If you’re planning to start a local hvac company, you should look into the bonding requirements for HVAC contractors.

Before paying any money:

• Get a written contract signed by the contractor which specifies:
  • That corrections will be made at the contractor’s expense
  • Which kinds of changes are included in the price
  • Exactly what is included
  • Start and completion dates
  • Payment schedule
  • Your right to withhold payment until all work is done
• Get a receipt which specifies what it is for

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EXPLORE: Money