Posted by Jerry Henry on Monday, September 08, 2003 at 9:11PM :
In Reply to: For Starters,.... posted by MoparNorm on Monday, September 08, 2003 at 3:41PM :
I have built nearly 100 houses in Northern Idaho since I moved here in 1973, and have less than 10 out of all of those I would not want to take a prospective customer to or use as a reference. I believe there are probably more bad contractors out there than good ones, however you can still find a good one if you look hard enough. Unfortunately, most people only build one house in their lifetime and if it doesn't go well, tough.
I always tell people to check my references, check material suppliers, and even check subcontractors and bankers. Anyone can "sell" his product or himself, words are easy. Check the guy or the company out. You probably wouldn't go to a lawyer or a doctor who nobody had ever heard of. Ask around.
From my side of the issue, as a custom home builder, I must say that the customers who demanded the most strict contract have been the ones who I have had problems with.
Unfortunately those who get stung usually make more noise than those who do not, and, as a result, everyone in the business gets a suspicious look. Good luck. Jerry Henry