Will getting three quotes find the bad banana?

When homeowners get three quotes, what are they comparing? Is it the fact that one contractor will be the highest priced, another in the medium range and finally the lowest quote?  Is that the way to start comparing contractors? Is that the way to find who’s best qualified? I say it’s time homeowners and those spouting this three quote system, change their tune.

Here are my thoughts. Maybe we should all start be qualifying contractors based on credentials like: what coverage’s do they carry to protect the homeowner, they have liability insurance, WSIB, Personal Accident insurance? How about compliance with the Ministry of Labour and have they completed the two mandatory courses “Fall Protection Awareness or WHMIS? Are they bonded, are they part of any associations, are they licensed, what qualifications do they have and more?

I feel once you find contractors who are all playing on the same level field, then go with the three quote system, if you want. Let’s finally start comparing apples to apples and not apples to bananas, as in bananas there is always a bad one in the bunch and bad bananas cost less. Just a thought!

Alec Caldwell (CARAHS Founder) CARAHS is a Non – Profit Organization who educates, informs and offers benefits to those self employed in the home renovation and home services industry.

www.carahs.org Toll free 1-866-366-2930 alec@carahs.org