Always Check References

So one of your New Year's Resolutions was to remodel your kitchen...or perhaps add an outdoor kitchen with all the bells and whistles.  Now you're looking around for a qualified contractor to do the work.   But who is capable of completing your vision of the ideal outdoor kitchen -- or whatever job you're considering?  Who'll be efficient with their time, clean with their workmanship, and who is capable of starting the job and seeing it through to the finish for a reasonable expenditure?

Before you take steps to remodel with anyone, it's a good idea to check references.  Not all contractors are a like.  Read, be aware, and learn an important & crucial new fact everybody needs to know before choosing a contractor. 

I often say, "technology is a wonderful thing -- when it works".  But, recently I've learned that today's technology is steering and misleading some customers into selecting the wrong contractor's, fake company's, or unlicensed contractor's claiming a license without even actually possessing a true business license.

When looking for a contractor, plumber, electrician, appliance store, roofer, kitchen and bath contractors or radiator repair shop, business owners know you look for reviews on line.  The problem is.... How do you know they are REAL REVIEWS, and not just cleverly made up reviews by the owner's of the business themselves ????

Here's what you need to do, ( at least with contractor based business's). Forget looking at reviews on line. GET REFERENCES!  References are the best and only REAL accurate way of checking on a business.   Ask the business you intend to use for recent references.  You want names, addresses and phone numbers that you can call and talk to real people.   Any legitimate business will have many references that have at least the area of town, phone #'s and information available for you to check and verify.  Many companies will have lists of verifiable previous customers so that you can pick references and call real people to check a companies credentials.  Don't enter into any agreement with a company that solicited you by walking up to your doorway and asking for your business.  

Just a word to the wise!  Have fun with your next household project and don't forget to get references before you start.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the Atlanta metro area.  Call Sara with your many questions at 404-660-2481 or e-mail at Sara@SaraHibbard.com.  Sara Hibbard is glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!  http://www.SaraHibbard.com