It really doesn’t matter if it is winter, spring, fall or summer – there’s always a project or an emergency that requires having to call someone to help. Best advice is to always select your vendor with careful consideration and don’t get drawn in by the lowest price. Opposite of that, don’t get taken advantage of by being overcharged for a job either!
Recently we endured the snow/ice storm which caused trees to fall, roof, water issues amongst other things. Large “Mother Nature” events tend to bring out the vultures knowing you are in a vulnerable and eager position to get something fixed. We hear about it all the time. Contractors flocking to areas where there has been a major catastrophe and gouging the residents during their despair.
One of the best ways to select a vendor is word of mouth. That does not necessarily mean you only go by someone recommended on Next Door or your neighbor used 5 years ago. Your job could be in a totally different skill set of that person.
Definitely use good recommendations, however meet with each person separately to discuss the project in detail. Be upfront and tell them you are getting several estimates, will decide and let them know. This may help you in bargaining later if they want your business. Do not seem desperate.
You should always get a minimum of three estimates. This way you know you are not getting overcharged for a job. Use caution if one bid comes in really under, make sure the project’s estimate is accurate. You don’t want to pay add on expenses along the way and end up spending more than expected.
Get things in writing. Although it is easy to talk to a person and they “seem like a nice guy” make sure you are both on the same page as far as expectations. Even just texting the agreement between each other is better than nothing should you have to take any legal action later.
Get references!!! If you are using a vendor that you found through a friend or neighbor make sure to see the work in person. If not, then make sure to do your due diligence and ask for those references. More importantly call those references
r drive by those addresses where the vendor said they did the work for. I think a good question to always ask a reference is “if you had to do it again, would you use Mr. X again…” You’d be surprised how that answer could sway you one way or another.
Lastly, the Homeowners Improvement law prohibits contractors from asking for a down payment of more than one third of the total job. If someone asks you for more than that, question them. If they tell you they need to buy the materials, then you know that this vendor has no overhead to run his business. I would be cautious of them taking your money and running away with it and never contacting you again. If you insist on using a vendor that tells you that, offer to pay for the materials direct so you are satisfied the money went towards your job and if that vendor skips out, at least you have the materials to find someone else.
Tellico Village is a community made of up of retirees, seniors, people on fixed incomes, and to an outsider, they see and think money. They will price you up when they see your cars or how nice your home might be on the water. An honest person does not do that. Yes, we might be farther out than a Knoxville vendor really wants to travel, so be expected to account for that expense in the bid.
Don’t be discouraged. There are many qualified, wonderful and responsible vendors out there servicing the needs of our community. You are the customer and should always get what you are paying for.
ATTENTION
Many residents were automatically added to the Neighborhood Watch Group Email list when the program rejuvenated in 2022. However, there are people that always say “Hey I didn’t get that email…” and that’s because it is likely going to your spam/junk folder. If it is, then simply add it as one of your contacts and you won’t miss the next crime alert, safety bulletin or information on an upcoming event. If you still don’t have anything, feel free to send an email to TellicoVillageNW@gmail.com and ask to be added. Don’t miss out! Thank you for your continued support.