I visit with a lot of folks in and around the Dallas and Plano area who had absolute nightmare experiences with some shady flooring contrac…crooks. Gotta feel bad for them since often, they really have no resource.

One guy handed his contractor a check for five figures.

Never saw him again.

Here are some tips to help you weed out dishonest/shoddy flooring contractors BEFORE any work begins:

• You MUST not only ask for a few references – ask for 10. You don’t necessarily have to call all 10 but someone who is reputable and trusted who has done this for a while should easily be able to furnish 10. The trick here is they have no idea which of the 10 you’re going to call (mouwahaha!). If they are unwilling, reluctant or unable, move on and find someone who will.

• Ask to see samples of their work by way of portfolio. Whether it’s pictures, videos or site visits (for larger jobs), you will instantly get an idea of the workmanship, creativity and detail they put into their work. Again, anyone who is proud to showcase their work is someone worth considering.

• Transparency is everything in this business. You gotta feel comfortable. If you get that gut feeling you don’t like this guy or “there’s something about him” that just doesn’t sit right with you, don’t hire him. If he smells bad, spits while he talks, scratches his ass in front of you, picks his nose, farts or pervs at you in a creepy way, send him on his way. Don’t be bullied or intimidated into working with anyone you don’t trust in your home.  Any contractor with honesty and integrity will be upfront since they have nothing to hide. This is the most often overlooked point that comes back to haunt people later.

These are just three things that can immediately weed out a lot of Resident Evils. You’ll know right away after putting them through this three-point check, if they’re honest or flat out liars.

What have been your nightmare contractor experience/s?

Please share so others can take heed.

Next post, I’ll share some tips on how to ensure you are getting what you ordered.

Would you believe it if I told you some shady contractors…

Until next time!

Same bat time, same bat channel.