How to Spot a Nonprofessional Contractor

 

1. A nonprofessional won't be listening to your needs.

2. Nonprofessional telephone communications. Coarse telephone manners and failing to return calls indicate the type of response you will get on your project.

3. Failure to show up for meetings on time. Maybe your work won't get done on time either.

4. Unprofessional appearance. Inappropriate clothing and/or dirty or poorly maintained vehicles. Even smaller contractors who get out in the field regularly will take the time to tidy up before an appointment.

5. Disorganized bids that fail to include specific details. Bids should be legible and easy to understand.

6. Someone who gives you unrealistic prices. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

7. Belittling another contractor's work. A professional should never belittle another contractor or his or her work.

8. In the event a permit is needed for your project, sometimes nonprofessional operators will try to get your okay to forego obtaining the permit. Don't give your permission. Even though permit inspections are often lax, the contractor should obtain all required permits.

9. Offering to do construction work that is outside of the scope of the work for which the contractor was hired.

Warning Signs

Bidding that fails to meet design specifications. To cut costs, some contractors will substitute brands, sizes or quantities that may not conform to those specified in the design. You may be told this will save you money, but more often than not it compromises the integrity of the design plan - something you have already purchased to insure you have a professional irrigation system. Any deviation from the plans should be clearly identified as an additive or deductive alternative.

The sales pitch. If much of what you hear from the contractor sounds like a sales pitch for things you don't want or that don't meet your needs, back off. A true professional will spend more time listening than selling. The contractor who does the best job listening to and proposing solutions to your needs is often the contractor to hire.

The Nice Guy. Sometimes it seems like an easy choice. You select the contractor that you think is just a nice guy. Beware of the nice guy if he or she doesn't meet the criteria for professional operations set forth in this information. The real definition of a nice guy is the contractor who provides you with a quality, professional job for a fair price.

 

Adapted from materials created by the Irrigation Association and the Carolinas Irrigation Association.

Disclaimer: This information is meant to be instructional and to provide information to assist the consumer in choosing a professional irrigation contractor. The information is believed to be accurate. The Delaware Irrigation Association, the Irrigation Association nor the Carolinas Irrigation Association assumes no responsibility for any damage that arises from any action that is based on information that is found here. Questions regarding civil law and the civil court system should be addressed to an attorney.