INDIANAPOLIS - It is important to check out a company before hiring them to work on your house, but did you know that companies do the same to you? Our partners at Angie's list look at what is appropriate, and what is not, in a contractor's due diligence.
Contractors can ask questions from the uncomfortable to the downright creepy. While some questions might be asked in bad taste, there are a few questions that contractors should never ask. Experts say there are three "red flag" questions that people should be on the lookout for when considering a contractor.
1. Will you be alone when I arrive? This type of question can often scare a client. It leads people into thinking that a person has criminal intent and doesn't want witnesses around.
2. What is your credit score? This can be offensive to people. Much like asking them is they have a job or if they have filed for bankruptcy, these types of questions are just to personal for a working business relationship.
3. Can I see other bids before I give you mine? This is like cheating. Real professionals will give you their best bid without basing it on the competition.
A survey conducted by Angie's List found that most contractors in Indiana are sensitive to these types of inappropriate questions. There are, however, a reasonable amount of requests for information that can get lost in translation.
"I think all of us realize sometime questions don't always come out the way we intended and that happens here too. But if at any time you don't feel comfortable or you feel scared then you should look for another contractor," said Angie Hicks.
It is important for people thinking about hiring a contractor to remember that it is a two-way relationship. This is especially true when dealing with homes. No one should feel uncomfortable in their own home. Walk away from anyone who communicates so poorly that they come across as scary.
