LADaddy's Profile

Never trust any service that promises to do your homework for you. Like Nicole says above - she went with someone highly rated and it was a disaster.

You should do your own homework. Use any online service you want, as long as it's free, and check out each and every company or contractor you find.

Service magic says that their contractors are pre-screened, but they ONLY check when the contractor signs up. Never a follow-up so insurance and qualifications can easily expire. On Angies List, contractors can get their friends and family to sign up and give them good ratings.

It creates a false sense of security. Here are some tips:

Check to make sure the contractor is licensed, if your state requires it. Absolutely make sure the contractor has insurance (if a worker is hurt at your house, on the job... you might end up paying.) Make sure you get recent references - from similar jobs - and if you can... go visit the job site of one of their current jobs. Check the BBB for past disputes. Always look at physical documents to make sure they're real - don't just take license or insurance policy numbers for granted.

Don't use a contractor's financing or "friend's" financing. If it looks like the contractor is not only working out of his or her truck, but living in it? Run.

You have to do your homework on any home repair or remodeling job. If not, you have no one to blame.

Email me if you have any questions at all - tim (at) ladaddy (dot) com. I also blog for a home improvement website and I used to be a contractor.