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| Wise Consumer Checklist |
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Your professional union contractor provides quality service and uses quality materials. Be wise, use a licensed and insured plumbing or mechanical contractor.
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| Materials |
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 Make sure the contractor uses quality
materials with product names you recognize.
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| Who Furnishes Fixtures? |
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| Valid License |
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Does your plumbing contractor have a valid license? Call:
State of Illinois
at (217) 524-0799
City of Chicago
(312) 744-3895 or
(312) 744-8830
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| Licensing Facts |
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| Established Firm |
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Has the firm been in business for a
substantial period of time? Is the firm a member of a professional organization
i.e., a Plumbing Contractors Association, Local Chamber of Commerce, etc? |
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| References |
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Ask for a large list of previous
customers and about work done in your neighborhood on similar homes. This
assures that you are not forced to call two or three hand picked
“good” references. |
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Checklist For Hiring A Contractor
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Many homeowners view hiring a tradesman for home repairs or improvements to be a painful process. Verifying the few simple items listed here will help you to eliminate dubious contractors, and raise your confidence level in the professional you select. Legitimate professionals are happy to share their qualifications with you. Think carefully before using a tradesman who seems reluctant to respond to any of the items listed here.
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| Insurance |
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Does
the contractor have insurance? Ask him or her for a certificate of insurance.
If he or she is hesitant to comply with your request, think twice. |
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| Payments |
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 Be wary of contractors who ask for
substantial down payments or request a check made out to a party
other than the firm name on the contract and/or
invoice.
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| Contract |
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 Never sign a blank contract. Make sure
everything is in writing and keep a copy of everything you sign. Be sure you
know exactly how much the job will cost before it starts.
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| Waiver of Lien |
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Insist on a “Final: Waiver of
Lien” from each subcontractor supplying materials and labor for the job.
If the general contractor doesn't pay his subcontractors, they may be able to
enforce a mechanic's lien against your property and prevent you from selling
it. |
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The
Care and Repair Guide has general
information regarding heating, cooling, and plumbing.