How to find past info/review on architects and contractors
After meeting with a few architects and contractors I think I am close to selecting a team for my renovation work. Before I sign on the dotted line I just wanted to give them all one final check, so was wondering if anyone has any suggestions of ways to research these professionals to make sure…
After meeting with a few architects and contractors I think I am close to selecting a team for my renovation work.
Before I sign on the dotted line I just wanted to give them all one final check, so was wondering if anyone has any suggestions of ways to research these professionals to make sure they don’t have complaints or violations filed against them, etc.
Any ideas where/how I would do this, other than a quick google search and searching the forums here?
I am the BEST architect on the face of the planet. Notice i did
not say universe…
BBB is useless. Need to search court records, thats where the real problems are buried.
I’ve given up on the BBB for being useful at all (did you see the recent article in the NYT on the BBB?), but I think that Consumer Affairs keeps tabs on contractors.
Ask for references, and call them, and if possible, visit a finished site. Also, the Franklin Report is a good reference tool, as it vets contractors, designers, etc. I find recommendations and checked references, as well as having a level of comfort with the contractor/architect should give you a secure feeling. If you are uncomfortable with contractor or architect, its something you should pay attention to. And of course, if it sounds too good to be true, it is.
Ask for references, and call them, and if possible, visit a finished site. Also, the Franklin Report is a good reference tool, as it vets contractors, designers, etc. I find recommendations and checked references, as well as having a level of comfort with the contractor/architect should give you a secure feeling. If you are uncomfortable with contractor or architect, its something you should pay attention to. And of course, if it sounds too good to be true, it is.
Past clients are always the best source. If they are happy than its a good indication you will be. Of course design professionals don’t have the same ability to check up on possible clients. I have ended up working with some real monsters impossible to please. On both sides there are risks. I think you have to go with your gut feeling. Most of all I think you have to be clear yourself what you want from a design professional and make it clear to them. This process is so personal and brings up many personal issues when it comes to residential design and construction. Good luck and have a good time with it it can be enormously gratifying to create your own home.
I would suggest having them supply references and DEFINITELY visit previous projects before you agree to anything.
Also, i might suggest rather than hiring a whole team at once that perhaps it would be wise to hire the architect first (as is typical) and have them help you hire the right contractor for the job once the design is complete. This is part of the architect’s general services, will not cost you extra, will allow access to the architect’s knowledge base on contractors (as likely they have much more experience in construction), and, most importantly, will get you the right person for the job based on the design decisions made. Things can change a lot during the design phase to a point where you may want to consider other contractors. This will not be possible if you are locked in.
angies list?
NYSED and NYC DOB both have databases of different types of displinary actions. In both cases, it is a short list.
have you already called references (client and insurance etc) and seen examples of previous work in person?