Brace yourself, bad contractor season has been extended

By Warren O’Shea

It used to be that “bad contractor season” started sometime after our beloved black fly and mud season, or at least that’s when the local news channels would tend to run their stories. The stories may have been popular during this time of year due to many Mainers starting to think of their projects, and clicks equals money. The recent story of a disabled woman in York County ripped off by a contractor lies outside of this scheduled norm. Have the media outlets decided it was hot enough to now put it in their agenda cycle? Did the failed Contractor Licensing bill LD1929 stir the pot enough, or are there just that many more contractors ripping people off?

The king of rhetorical questions says yes, all have some validity. It can be a challenge to get the news to run a story as they do not want to expose themselves to liability. They likely won’t run a story if the homeowner and contractor do not have a contract, and they may not run a story unless the contractor violated Maine state law. In the case of the York County woman, the contractor asked for a deposit of 50 percent of the total project cost up front, where State law sets the maximum request of no more than 1/3 of the total project cost.

According to the Office of the Maine Attorney General, since 2018 the agency has received nearly 4,000 complaints related to contractor fraud with a total of $12 million in losses. I personally know of one contractor who continues to advertise his services across multiple local social media platforms and community groups who has 15 complaints with the Better Business Bureau, 7 of which have been in the past 12 months. There are currently 24 complaints to the local police department, and it doesn’t help that law enforcement frequently lists these types of complaints as a civil matter rather than criminal, leaving the responsibility to the homeowner to seek restitution, usually in court.

From the Office of the Maine Attorney General’s page on home construction and repair:

“While there are a great many competent, ethical home contractors in Maine, it is up to you, the consumer, to find one. Home contractors are not licensed or regulated by the State of Maine. The old saying "Buyer Beware" applies. You should also keep in mind that the lack of state licensing allows the worst contractors to compete for your business alongside the best. The Attorney General's Consumer Mediation Program ranks home contractors among the top three most complained about businesses every year.”

Doing your research when hiring a contractor is crucial for several reasons

Quality of Work: Different contractors have varying levels of professionalism, expertise and workmanship. Research helps you find someone who has a track record of delivering quality results that meet your expectations.

Reputation and Reviews: Checking reviews and testimonials from previous clients can provide insights into a contractor’s reliability, professionalism, and the quality of their work. This information can help you avoid contractors with a poor track record. Remember that the good contractors are working on getting your business right next to the bad contractors. It’s up to you to find the difference.

Credentials and Experience: Ensuring that the contractor has the necessary licenses when required, insurance, and certifications required by the state is vital. Maine is among 15 states that do not regulate home contractors. I highly recommend getting the contractor’s Certificate of Insurance directly from the insurance broker. Canceled COI policy documents can be forged to give the false impression that the policy is valid.. Researching their experience in the specific type of work you need helps ensure they are qualified for the job.

Price Estimates: By researching and comparing estimates from multiple contractors, you can avoid overpaying and identify a fair market price for your project.

Avoiding Scams: Unfortunately, there are fraudulent contractors who may try to take advantage of unsuspecting clients. Researching allows you to recognize red flags and avoid scams.

Communication and Compatibility: Finding a contractor who communicates well and understands your vision is essential for a successful project. Research helps you identify contractors who align with your communication style and project needs.

Warren O'Shea is the owner of O’Shea Builders LLC, Maine’s most award-winning remodeling contractor. He has 35-plus years of residential remodeling experience. He is a certified home inspector and has been featured on HGTV, Food Network, and Maine Cabin Masters. He is a recipient of the Portland Police Department’s “Citizen Award,” and is a staunch consumer advocate. Warren has, and continues to, co-author articles for nationally distributed trade magazines. <