When we received our estimate, we called back to ask questions. We Inquired about a mortar German smear for the fire place & Chimney & small accent wall. In the style which is done by hand not sprayed. We didn't want Slury. That's a water, paint & lime sprayed application. To be clear - we wanted an over-grout mortar style to be applied over the entire "exterior" of the back of our brick fireplace. You know - the Chip & Joann style. The fireplace is in very close proximity to the pool. We inquired about the companies insurance coverage for their workers & asked if she could provide us with their coverage information. She actually got upset about that question was kind of surprise to me. I explained to her, I was asking questions that are outlined on the Better Business Bureau site concerning things you should ask when hiring Contractors or trades people. Something, I learned many years ago. I asked if their workers were subcontractors or employees and what type of insurance coverage did they carry for them and asked if they could provide us with a copy of quality their policy so that we could confirm it was current & up-to-date? I explained, when we hire, roofers, electricians, companies or trades people we always confirm their workers are covered in the event of an accident. Wheither it be personal injury or property damage. She bluntly said, "We don't provide that information until after you signed the papers and your "LOCKED INTO A CONTRACT". Actually, that's not how it really works. Most people are really nice. They answer, "Sure" I can get that right over to you or "No" We don't carry it because their people are subcontractors & not employees. After my questions about insurance, I asked, if they could explain why there was no mention in the estimate of how they're going to prep our house, tarp our new roof or protect our windows and landscape. Her blunt answer, " We don't do that!!! It's not necessary!" I asked, what do you mean it's not necessary? It outlines in detail how & what your are going to do to "protect our property" Painter, roofers and fencing companies all have this process written in their proposals. Her response was bluntly " We don't do that! We don't put in the paperwork! It's a given - it gets done! - Wow ! I thought I was shocked with their response when I asked about insurance verification papers when she said, "We can't give that to you until you are actually "locked into a signed contract." I explained to her, confirming your liability insurance is done in advance. If you can't provide us with the proper paperwork before signing the contract, then we can't hire you. Every detail of the project timeline & materials should be in a scope of work also with a clause that they will remove all debris's once the project is completed so that the homeowner is not left trying to haul away debris & trash. I always ask a lot of questions and every detail of the project - timeline & materials usually are in a scope of work. Hope this is helpful to the business as well as people seeking work. read more
