BBB: Finding a trustworthy contractor

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - John North of the Better Business Bureau stopped by 2 News Today to talk about  home improvement.

Unfortunately, most of us have heard of, and in some cases experienced, unscrupulous contractors asking for payment up front-- performing shoddy work and then refusing refunds or disappearing completely.

Your Better Business Bureau saw a 13 percent increase in the number of complaints in the home improvement industry last year compared to 2010.

They just had two of our area's largest home improvement shows: Miami Valley Home Improvement Show and HomeWorld. And, there is another big one next month: The Dayton Home & Garden Show.

These shows are a great way to find lots of home improvement ideas.

Vendors from various industries are on hand to answer questions, give advice or help you accomplish your remodeling goals.

At the shows, look for companies displaying BBB Accredited Business plaques, indicating trustworthy businesses.

To find a trustworthy contractor: Ask friends and family to recommend contractors they've been satisfied with. Ask to see their finished projects if possible.

Contact your BBB for a list of BBB Accredited contractors and business reviews on businesses you're considering. The BBB eQuote program allows you to request bids from BBB Accredited Businesses directly from your BBB's Web site.

Get at least three bids in writing and compare bids based on the same warranty, materials, specifications, labor and time. Don't make your decision solely based on the lowest bid.

Our organizations highly recommends you:

-    Use caution with those going door-to-door in your neighborhood or are putting flyers in mailboxes and claiming to be doing work with neighbors. Many fly-by-night businesses will falsely claim to have completed multiple projects in your neighborhood. Get references and place follow up calls to verify validity and satisfaction of jobs preformed.
-    Beware of storm chasers. Storm chasers often include problem contractors who have temporarily come to the area seeking to take advantage of homeowners who suffered property damage from storms.
-    Don't pay large payments up front. Stagger payments according to work stages and don't make a final payment until the job's complete. Don't pay in cash; pay by check or credit card.
-    Make sure the contract is legible and dated, includes contact information, the payment plan and price, a detailed description of work to be performed, the completion date, and both parties' signatures. Never sign a blank contract.