How to Protect Yourself from Being CheatedLooking for a contractor to make your remodeling dreams come true? Keep your dreams from turning into nightmares: Protect yourself from scams! Things to look into when hiring any kind of contractor so you don't get ripped off: Do they have insurance?General Liability Insurance isn't cheap for businesses, but it protects you as the customer. Insurance is the first indicator as to how professional the company is. Ask if the contractor has general liability insurance. If you want to see proof of insurance, it's as easy as calling the business's agent and asking for a copy (via email of fax) of their certificate of insurance.
Rock Solid Remodeling  Fully Insured
Do they have workers' compensation insurance?Did you know that if a worker gets hurt while working on your property and his employer doesn't have workers' compensation, that worker could potentially sue you as the home owner? Workers' compensation covers accidents and work related injuries to protect the worker and the customer.
Rock Solid Remodeling Covers Workers' Compensation
Keep ahead of the contractor! Beware of the "half down" paymentDon't pay upfront- pay for the finished product. This protects you from ending up with a low quality job, getting less than you expected, or worse, losing your money to a scam artist. Most legit businesses will ask for some sort of down payment on larger jobs. Ours is a 33% down payment (with a signed contract so that both parties are protected), then further payments as the job comes along. For example, you should not give more than a third of the total cost until the job is at least half way completed. This keeps you ahead of the contractor. Do not give two-thirds of the total cost when only one-fourth of the job has been completed. If you have a large remodeling project totaling about $18,000, your final payment should be at least $5,000. Some businesses do not ask for any down payment if the job is less than $1,000. Bottom line: if it doesn't feel right, don't go with it.
Rock Solid Remodeling generally asks for a 33% down payment with a signed contract
Check to see if they have a rating with the Better Business BureauMake sure they are a legitimate local companyHere's the scenario: Summer is the high season for roofing because of the amount of storms/hail. Scam artists know this. So they come to your house offering to get the job started and completed faster than the other companies, take your down payment, and disappear. Cross reference the business to make sure you have hired a legit company. If you cannot find them in the Better Business Bureau, in a phone book, or anywhere online, it does not matter what they have promised you. Your chances are much better going with a trusted business.
Rock Solid Remodeling Local Kansas City remodeling business for five years
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View our Affiliate References View our Customer Feedback Check out the warrantyWhere does the buck stop? Many warranties are full of tricks and hoops to jump through. What really matters to the consumer is whether or not a contractor will back up his work if a product or material fails, or will simply pass you on to a manufacturer who will pass you on to someone else who doesn't think it's their responsibility.
Rock Solid Remodeling 2 year, hassle free, part and labor warranty. Check out more information on our warranty.
Will they use/work with the products and materials you want?Even reputable companies use a limited number of products, because they can get them in bulk at lower costs. For instance, if you're looking for a certain, quality faucet that your contractor doesn't get in bulk, he will have to "special order" it for you, costing you more. What's more, some contractors only sell you on certain products because of the kickbacks and freebies they get from the manufacturers. This leaves you, the customer, in the dark about a product or brand name that could have been better quality and brought about the results you were hoping for.
Rock Solid Remodeling We aren't limited to certain products so you can get exactly what you want at a reasonable price.
Is this a real, legal business with high integrity? Be a proactive consumer!You have the right to ask to see green cards and work permits, as well as request tax information to make sure all payroll and income taxes are being paid. If a contractor lets a few things slide under the rug in his business, he will let a few things slide when working on your home!
Rock Solid Remodeling Developing a business isn't easy, but as Rock Solid Remodeling grows we make sure every step is a legal one. Our business is based on integrity. Not only do we value high quality work, but a high quality business ethic as well. Honesty is our policy.
Is this a licensed contractor?To be licensed as a contractor in Johnson County you must have proof of general liability and workmen's compensation insurance, proof of qualifications, a valid drivers' license or government issued photo ID, and you must complete eight hours of continuing education each year. These requirements for licensed contractors are much the same in all of the Kansas City area. You can trust that a company that has gone through the hoops to become licensed carries insurance and is a local, legal, legit business.
Rock Solid Remodeling licensed contractor in the greater Kansas City area.
*New this year! Is your contractor lead safe certified to work in pre-1978 homes?Certification to work in pre-1978 homes is required by law as of April 2010. Failure to receive certification can result in tens of thousands of dollars in fines. Read more information here about new laws on lead safety.
Rock Solid Remodeling Certified in lead safety according to new 2010 laws.
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