We've all been there! Needing help with a Project that was outside our skillset or dealing with an urgent issue.
Knowing who to call in a pinch is an acquired skill to have. I hope to be that for my family, friends, and nearby community.
Regardless of whatever decisions you make, I hope the following information can help you to make the best choice for yourself and your situation.
- Shawn Ingersoll
Not knowing who to call when faced with an issue can be tough.
Below are some ideas on how to make smart choices while protecting your family and property. Many of my recommendations come from my own experience in hiring other Contractors.
Try to get several quotes for larger Projects. While this might feel excessive (and annoying), you may be surprised to find just how wildly different they may be from another.
Avoid paying money prior to when your Contract dictates. Keep important communication in writing and record notes throughout the process, as you feel are warranted.
Referrals from people you trust are my favorite way to go. These can be through friends, family, co-workers,
or even another Contractor.
Try to not rely solely on Online Reviews (Google, Angie's List, Nextdoor etc.) if you can help it. Unfortunately some reviews may be manipulated or biased. Be judicious during your search and trust your gut.
Best first thing you can do is to check each Contractors License through the CCB Database (click the 'learn more about this business' in their Summary view).
Any Contractor that is promoting their services should be listed as active. The CCB will also list their Liability Insurance and for what amount (for what we do, $500K is the minimum but $1M is standard), their Surety Bond* ($25K minimum is required), and whether they have any prior Claims made against them.
If ever a project exceeds $2,000 at any time, the contractor must provide a Written Contract.
ORS 701.305
If the work falls under the CCB Guidelines, be sure the Contractor you are considering is Licensed and Insured for the work. They should list a unique 6-digit number. Enter this number into the CCB License Search to learn more.
Depending on the type of work being provided, make sure the Contractor is both Licensed & Insured if required. For those that have a CCB License they need to identify their six digit License number across all digital/printed material and upon request. You can use this unique number to look up their current License Status and to see if they have any Complaints filed against them.
Also, if they are doing any specialized work, be sure they are Certified to do so. One example might include working with Lead-Based Paint.
Buildings built prior to 1978 will likely contain lead. Homes and Offices built prior to 1990 may contain Asbestos. Any construction work in these buildings that disturbs these materials will require thoughtful planning to prevent exposure and may also require that the Contractor be trained and certified to abate them.
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can cause severe health issues, particularly in children, including cognitive deficits, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. It can also lead to cardiovascular, renal, reproductive, and gastrointestinal issues in adults. Major sources of exposure include lead-based paint, contaminated soil, drinking water, and household dust. Reducing exposure through regulations, public education, and environmental interventions is essential to prevent lead poisoning.
Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. It is found in older buildings, insulation, and roofing. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs, leading to long-term health issues. Preventing exposure through proper removal, regulation, and public awareness is crucial to protect public health.
We recommend JSE Labs in Milwaukie for Lead and Asbestos Testing. We are also happy to come out and collect a sample on your behalf to submit.
Any Abusive, Threatening, or Coercive Behavior from any Contractor is never okay. I recommend sharing your experience with someone you trust, document the issue, and try to find a solution that is best for you.
Depending on the severity of behavior or negligence in their work, next steps might include filing a complaint against the Contractor with the CCB (there is a fee), contacting a Small-Claims Lawyer, and in some cases walking away and cutting ties to avoid stress and headache.
Protect yourself, stick to the Contract, and fire them if needed. Don’t pay any money until the Contract states. Document the process if able. Try to keep communications in writing.
Has the Contractor caused significant damage to your property? You might be able to pursue a Claim with their Insurance Provider or your own.
