What should I know when having someone work on my home or car when I cannot do it myself?

I’m not particularly skilled at any one trade but I know how to use basic tools like wrenches, hammers, saws, screwdrivers, and measuring tape for minor vehicle maintenanc ( only wrenches and screw drivers for vehicle repairs) or home improvements. I can change the oil, oil filter, brake pads, air filter, spark plugs and spark plug wires on my truck (relatively minor things) but the more advanced stuff (computer controlled wiring, fixing head gaskets, cylynders, transmissions, etc) I am not skilled at, plus I don’t have my own garage. Around the house, I can tighten fixtures such as toilet paper holders, towel holders, faucets, etc and fix broken furniture when the damage is minor. What should I do so that I don’t get taken advantage of by some unscrupulous mechanic, carpenter, plumber, sheetrock contractor or electrician (I have been the victim of one once), when it comes to more advanced repairs and building work that I’m not as skilled at? What laws should I be aware of?

I always do research before I hire anyone to do work for me whether it be for my businesses, rentals, automotive repairs or around the house. I check out automotive repair shops to see whether they are AAA approved or if there are any complaints against them registered with the Better Business Bureau. Besides checking the BBB, I check out contractors to see whether their license numbers are legitimately registered with our state licensing board. (You’d be surprised at how many “contractors” use bogus license numbers. Our state maintains a website that makes it easy to check them out.) I also make certain that contractors are bonded, have insurance and worker’s compensation. I try to make sure that they don’t hire illegal aliens, but that is getting to be more difficult. I always ask for references and examples of their work. When I recently hired a painting contractor, I physically drove to the addresses they gave me, spoke to their clients and inspected their work. Also, I always ask for an estimate, get at least three bids and a written contract. It really is the contract that protects you legally.

Use Your Contractor To Your Advantage

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