By: Jim Webster

If there’s a home out there that doesn’t need maintenance, I’d like to see it. Every homeowner knows that sooner or later home repairs are going to be required. It doesn’t matter if it is a new home or an older home, it needs work. The problem is who to call.

I assure you there are plenty of people willing to do the work. The demand for their services often outstrips their ability to accommodate everyone who calls. But perhaps you have never hired anyone before for this type of work. You’re uneasy. Who do you call that you can trust? After all, they will need to enter your home, your castle. In fact, you are inviting perfect strangers into your home. And I admit, even I am not comfortable when I have to do that at my home. So I know how you feel.

just the other day I read in the paper that a home contractor took payment from a customer, then never showed to do the work. So this is point number one–don’t pay anything until the job is done. Now mind you, I am talking about small jobs that take a day or less to complete and cost $100 to $500. The company you hire should be eager to get started and eager to get done.

The rules change if the job gets bigger, so proceed with caution. For bigger jobs, up-front payments are common. So, get references if possible.

I just did a job for about $2500. I charged nothing up front. So I accepted a lot of risk. What if the customer didn’t pay?

The reason I did the job this way was because I was referred to the customer by a person whom I knew would not give me a bad referral. Likewise, she would not have given my name to this new customer without being certain I would be honest and fair in my dealings with the customer. How do I know this? Because she referred me to her grandparents.

So, you see, referrals can work both ways, and that’s a good thing. So remember, don’t call him, call Jim.

For more information or to schedule please call D&J Home Contracting, LLC at 302-233-2670.

Testimonials:
“D & J Home Contracting– fast, dependable service.”   ~W. R. Meekins, Dover

“Steve and Jim replaced my dryer vent. They are God Sent! I can now dry a load of clothes in less than one drying cycle instead of over many hours. Thank you Steve and Jim for a job well done.”
~B. Malatesta