If you’re a building manager, you want to work with the best people and companies for what goes into your property. Finding a great contractor means worrying less about poor installations, the need for immediate repairs and, something everyone hates, getting ripped off.
In an effort to help Californian residents and managers out, Checkbook Magazine and Checkbook.com looked at 75 heating and air conditioning firms around the Bay Area. They found that while many companies were called “superior” by 95 percent or more of customers, others received favorable ratings from fewer than 65 percent.
No matter where you are in the country, you can look for the same contractor traits to get the best service. Checkbook Magazine said:
•When you call firms, describe symptoms in as much detail as possible and ask the company to explain how it calculates service charges.
•Get a written description of the needed work and total price before any work is done and ask to see old parts when the work is finished.
•Be at home, but not in the way, as work proceeds.
•Get a detailed invoice that includes a description of the problem, a list of all parts replaced, and all the labor charges with a description of labor required.
•Pay with a credit card, which provides the option to dispute the charge under the Fair Credit Billing Act in case you are dissatisfied.
Read more about this survey on SFGate and always be sure to know who your contractor is and how they will work with you.