Construction Conflict Week on Local 4

It's been a consumer/construction nightmare over the past week on Local 4 News.

This I know because I've done the stories that make it so.

Last week a Detroit church hired a Flint construction company to repair plumbing damage. The contractor claims the church became a problem customer and promised a lawsuit. They'll soon meet in court over $5,000.

On Wednesday, I told the story of Green Acres Farm in Highland Township. They, too, hired a Flint-based contractor to repair the hail damage done to their barn roof last July 27. That repair went bad as well and this time the customer went to court suing the contractor.

We'll state upfront the Flint connection has nothing to do with anything, although hiring more local contractors makes it easier to contact or see him or her on a more regular basis. What's at play here is the time pressure of emergencies driving important decision making. That's rarely a good combination.

In the church's situation, they had an upcoming funeral to plan for and services had been delayed three long weeks. In Highland Township a family farm that operates as a kiddie camp and education center essentially went out of business when the $90,000 roof repair lifted off the rafters in a stiff November wind. There was snow and ice inside the barn this past winter with the improperly repaired roof was left open and leaking.

The barn situation was so bad, and just one among many problems with contractors in the area, the Highland Township building inspector put out a warning to residents telling them they need to be exceptionally careful in these kinds of trying times not to pile still more costly mistakes.

Seeing that this is far more common than you might expect and knowing the violent weather season will show up one day in the distant future -- yes, it is snowing as I write this! -- I thought it a good idea to provide you with a quick checklist on what to do and not do if you are suddenly struck with a housing emergency and in need of contractor help.

This was produced with the help of Ruth to the Rescue Producer Tony Statz.

1.) Always get 3 estimates -- minimally.
2.) Do not take the first estimate unless you are absolutely certain it is the best.
3.) Always wait 24 hours to sign anything resembling a construction contract.
4.) Use your 24 hours to do your due diligence -- look up any contractor with the Better Business Bureay, Online Search names & reviews
5.) Avoid high pressure sales tactics -- If you hear, "It's only good right now," say, "Later!"
6.) Ask for references, proof of current insurance and bonding
7.) Go to the LARA website and make sure any contractor is currently licensed and insured.
8.) Never give cash payments!
9.) Never pay full amount up front.
10.) Get a detailed contract on what is being done and completion dates -- start dates, too.

This is one of those lists you should cut out and keep handy, if you are a homeowner -- along with the bank -- you know some day you will no doubt need this.

Rod to the Rescue doesn't have the same panache, but let's hope it offers you the same kind of great service!


About the Author:

Rod Meloni is an Emmy Award-winning Business Editor on Local 4 News and a Certified Financial Plannerâ„¢ Professional.