Choosing The Right Contractor

When it comes to a home repair or improvement, it is important for any homeowner to get the right contractor. You want someone that is both credible and reliable. Choosing the wrong contractor can leave you with poor quality and an unfinished job. It is important to check a number of things out before agreeing for a contractor to perform a service. At Peterman, we want to help you make the right choice regardless of the nature of the job.

Below are things that you should look into before hiring any contractor to perform a service. Checking over all of these can help safeguard you against a bad home improvement experience.

  • Before making your choice, check with the Better Business Bureau and affiliated state and community agencies for a company history of complaints. It is also important to check to see if that company responded to the complaints to see if they stand behind their work.
  • Ask for references: Current customers are an excellent source of information and are often willing to share their experience. There are also a number of review sites on the web that can provide you with background on a company’s track record.
  • Check local licenses: Inquire about their license, bonding, workers compensation and general liability insurance coverage.
  • Get a detailed written proposal: Beware of companies that do not back up their offer in a detailed written proposal. A written proposal is one sign of a quality contractor.
  • Equipment/labor warranties and guarantees: Warranties and guarantees vary depending on the manufacturer or dealer. Make sure you ask about possible warranties and guarantees and make sure they are written into the contract.
  • 3-day right to cancel: Demand that your contractor follows contract law. A new comfort system is a big decision and with big decisions comes responsibility. According to the law, you a have a 3-day right to cancel.
  • Ask your contractor about the maintenance requirements of your new system: A maintenance agreement is one of the best ways to ensure your system's long-term performance, reliability and safety. Also, many manufactures mandate a record or service to honor warranties. Many contractors offer maintenance agreements to look after the health of your system.
  • Know and understand the contract: Beware of unclear contracts and make sure to ask lots of questions. It is important to understand all aspects of the agreement with your contractor before any work begins.
  • Get more than one estimate or reference: Always get several estimates and check references. Make sure that not only price is factored into your decision, but rather the entire scope of service to be performed.

The Consequences of Choosing the Wrong Contractor:

When you select a certified HVAC contractor you can avoid many of the pitfalls that come with home improvement disasters.

  • Frequent system malfunctions
  • Improper installation
  • Unsafe and/or inefficient operation
  • Shorter equipment lifespan
  • Unreliable service
  • Higher utility bills
  • Voiding of factory warranties
  • Theft and/or property damage
  • Building code violations

Peterman Heating & Cooling, Inc. is a trusted HVAC contractor. Our priority is our customers first. We want to be your home comfort expert!

Call (317) 859-4270 or Schedule an Appointment Online with Peterman Heating & Cooling, Inc.