Be Aware Of The Tell Tale Signs Of A Cowboy Builder

Every trade has its rotten apples, those unscrupulous workers who charge inflated prices and leave behind shoddy, even unfinished work. Unfortunately many of these dishonest workers can be found working in roofing, plumbing and building trades, where they’re known as “cowboys.” Savvy homeowners should learn how to spot the tell tale signs of a cowboy builder in order to avoid the possibility of paying good money for bad work.

Ethical tradesmen suffer from the dishonesty of cowboy builders as much as customers do. That’s why reputable workers are always happy to provide proper credentials, given written estimates, not pressure customers into quick decisions, and work cordially with their clients. When these qualities of a good business relationship are missing from the transaction, it’s smart to suspect a cowboy builder is at work.

For starters, cowboy builders are often friendly and confident, making potential employers reluctant to verify the worker’s abilities and promises. Don’t be fooled by a genial manner, however. The first rule of smoking out a cowboy builder before he can bilk you out of money is to “trust, but verify.”

Therefore, it’s essential not to accept any tradesman’s qualification at face value. Always verify their credentials, especially such things as bonding and liability insurances. Reputable workers will be happy to provide any documentation a customer requests. Those who don’t or won’t provide qualifications should be passed over.

Next, it pays to put the job down in writing. Not only does this help the homeowner get a better idea of the scope and cost of the project, it assures that there are notes to which both the employer and the tradesman can refer in case of questions or disputes. What’s more, with a project plan in writing, it’s easier to request written bids from builders. Any builder who refuses to provide a written estimate for a proposed project isn’t reliable. Avoid them.

Then write out a brief plan for your project. It can be as simple as a single paragraph, such as “remove leaking toilet, replace with a new, working fixture and clean up any debris.” Then use the project description to ask for written estimates from candidates. Review the prices of the estimates. If one estimate seems especially out of line with the others, try to find out what the difference is. If the tradesman can’t give you an acceptable answer, then cross him off your list.

Finally, never, ever pay in advance, even if the tradesman insists he needs supplies or equipment. Tell him you’ll reimburse him for his expenses based on the documented details of your project. If the builder then refuses to start the job, bid him a glad farewell. He’s a cowboy, and you’re well rid of him.

The tell tale signs of a cowboy builder are actually very easy for homeowners to spot. Get the exclusive low down in our complete sash windows and sash window company overview.