If you’ve been burned already, you know how much that sucks and how much money it can cost!

Whether you have or haven’t been burned, read ahead for some really helpful tips to prevent becoming a victim!

How do I (Jason Tello) know what to look out for? I’ve become known as the “Rescuer” as one homeowner’s neighbour put it. That means homeowners trust me to rescue them from the nightmare situation other contractors put them through. You can and should prevent that from happening to you!

Let’s jump right in!

Or, maybe, just maybe you do get something…and it looks like this: one sheet, slightly crumpled with 4 lines written on it—the company name; the price; a phone number; and one sentence for the scope of work. Each of them scribbled in pen, maybe partially typed.

‘I’d like you to hand me thousands or tens of thousands of $$ of your hard earned money so I can build you a new staircase.’ Would you trust me without giving you written confirmation? How would this hold up in court if the worst happens?

You may or may not be interested in trying to understand the details of your project. That’s perfectly fine. But will you take my word as someone who deals with homeowners all the time? Some homeowners have been traumatized and will not trust a contractor again! I’ve seen with my own eyes what happens when there is nothing written—the project can take an entirely different direction than what you agreed to verbally; it’s an open invitation for an unscrupulous contractor to cut corners galore. That’s the unfortunate reality.

SOLUTION: Get it in writing, and it better be more than a one or two sentences. Or don’t work with them at all! You really shouldn’t have to ask for this, this should be their standard way of operating. Don’t waste your time, please.

Okay, so let’s say the contractor does provide you with referrals, how do you know they are legitimate?

SOLUTION: If they have reviews online (website, Google reviews, Homestars etc) choose them at random and ask to speak to them. Request an on-site visit. If their relationship with their clients is non-toxic, one based on trust, past clients will be more than happy to allow you to take a tour of their lovely front or back yards. Any contractor proud of their work will gladly take some time out of their day to show off their work to you! Trust me!

Oh I know what you’re thinking, and regardless of what you think about the government, this has nothing to do with that. It’s a serious gamble—but why?

2 true stories:

1. One client of ours explicitly chose us because his family told him we’d stand behind our work (since we charged HST). Since then he’s entrusted us with both his entire front and back yard projects!
2. One homeowner told me about another homeowner who got into a dispute with the contractor they had hired. So that homeowner told the CRA that they worked under the table. That contractor had to pay a high percentage of what the CRA deemed appropriate to make up for what they supposed were other projects he had taken cash for. Crazy right!

Think about this! Without getting too technical, psychologically speaking, anyone who’s willing to cheat someone else (in this case the government) is more than likely willing to lower their moral standards with the work they’ll do and cheat you, the homeowner. It’s a pattern of behavior that repeats itself automatically—it’s just human nature. Just avoid that slippery slope!

SOLUTION: Plainly just ask them “Will you take cash?” If they say yes, that’s a red flag!

Trust your gut!

Would you ‘write home’ about the way this contractor presented themselves professionally? If they came from another job site, did they at least excuse their appearance?

Were they respectful to you, your partner, your children, your pet, your property?

Did they look you in the eye when they spoke to you?

Did they calmly speak to you or appear rushed, anxious or short with their answers?

Were they just talking in circles without really providing understanding of the solution?

Did they make you feel comfortable; easy to talk to; actively listening and repeating back to you the information you shared with them?

Did they leave you with the impression that they really cared?

Think along these lines and your gut will keep you in check, guaranteed!

SOLUTION: Go ahead and feel free to print out these questions and use them.

Are you social proofing contractors before you hire them? What’s social proofing you ask?

What evidence is there of the kind of work they do? You should be able to find it on their website or social media accounts.

It’s 2021! Every year going forward presents an opportunity for contractors to build rapport with homeowners on various social media platforms. Why in the world would a contractor in their right mind not want to build rapport?

Would you, the homeowner, not consider inviting someone into your home for days or weeks on end, entrusting them with your hard earned money, as entering into a relationship? So where is the proof that they think along the same terms—as in building relationships based on trust?

SOLUTION: Have them send you their website or social media accounts. Take the time to check them out because it’s worth it. It’s your hard earned money.

Let this article guide you to prevent from having to fall victim.

Feel free to reach out with any questions. I’m willing to help.

Yours Truly,

Jason Tello

Craftsman - Designer