Are you and your subcontractors licensed to do this type of work?
CAUTION! TOO RISKY NOT TO ASK
Your building owner's insurance does not cover work done by unlicensed contractors!
Are you insured to do this type of work?
CAUTION! THE AVERAGE CLAIM FOR INJURY RELATED DEATH IS $1.6 MILLION
Your homeowner's insurance may not cover an accident, injury or damage! Require $2+ million!
Are your installers trained to use power tools and equipment in and around occupied spaces?
CAUTION! 9 OUT OF 10 CONTRACTORS DO NOT HAVE A SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM
Avoid negligence claims against you, the building owner, by requiring the contractor to provide a copy of their safety program!
Do you perform drug testing to screen your employees for hire?
CAUTION! 9 OUT OF 10 CONTRACTORS DO NOT PERFORM DRUG TESTING ON NEW HIRES
Avoid negligence claims against you, the building owner, by requiring the contractor to perform drug testing for all new hires!
Do you run a criminal background check on your employees?
CAUTION! 9 OUT OF 10 CONTRACTORS DO NOT PERFORM BACKGROUND CHECKS
Don't be victimized! Many service people have a history of theft and other crimes.
Will you clean up at the end of each day?
CAUTION! MOST CONTRACTORS DO NOT INCLUDE A DAILY CLEANUP AS PART OF THE JOB!
There is no need to have your business use or beauty detracted from!
Will you remove my old equipment and all debris from the premises?
CAUTION! 9 OUT OF 10 CONTRACTORS DO NOT ITEMIZE THIS IN THEIR SCOPE OF WORK
"Disposal fees" added on at the end of the job are a common "hidden charge."
Do you have an office staff to handle potential customer care situations?
CAUTION! ALTHOUGH UNLIKELY - EVEN THE BEST INSTALLATIONS CAN HAVE AN ERROR
Who's going to respond to your questions, comments, concerns or complaints?
Have you been in business very long?
CAUTION! 90% OF ALL SYSTEMS ARE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY
Only an experienced contractor can install correctly - putting you in the top error-free 10%.
Will you guarantee the price quoted will be the final price, even if you overlooked something?
CAUTION! GETTING A LOW PRICE IS EASY WHEN A CONTRACTOR MISSES SOMETHING
Beware of a low initial price followed by a price increase after the work has started!
Will all work meet or exceed existing codes and will you be pulling a permit? CAUTION! FIRE DUE TO CODE VIOLATION CAN VOID YOUR INSURANCE
Avoid this liability exposure by requiring the contractor to pull a job permit.
Do you use DOE-endorsed written installation, start-up, and warranty management procedures?
CAUTION! 9 OUT OF 10 INSTALLATION ARE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY AND WASTING ENERGY
Avoid this pitfall or - worse - defacing your property. Ask to see their installation procedures!
Is any maintenance included?
CAUTION! MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTIES ARE TYPICALLY VOIDED IF NOT MAINTAINED PROPERLY PER MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS
The only way to keep our equipment running properly is with regular maintenance!
Are you authorized to provide the equipment manufacturer's recommended maintenance?
CAUTION! 9 OUT OF 10 SYSTEMS ARE NOT INSTALLED OR SET UP PROPERLY
To assure equipment is back up and running quickly, get proof of an authorized dealer in writing!
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