Reducing your risk hiring a skilled contractor
April 7, 2025•358 words
I have been hearing about how a lot of people are getting scammed by contractors. I‘m security professional, so here are a couple tips that will limit your chance of being scammed:
1) Finding possible contractors is the hardest part. One trick I’ve learned is to go to a material vendor, like Emser Tile, and ask them who they use to install their product. I don’t go to Home Depot or Lowe’s. The speciality stores have a reputation to protect. Home Depot and Lowe’s do not! Another place to get names is Nextdoor, but recent changes to account security have made it super easy for anyone to get an account. You really don’t know who you’re dealing with on Nextdoor anymore.
When I get a few possible candidates, I look for reviews and testimonials. When people ask for recommendations, I frequently see contractors offer their services. I really value referrals from people I trust that have first hand experience with the person.
2) Ask the contractor for their ABQ business license and NM state contractor license. A city business license is required to do business in the city. All should have one. In New Mexico, a contractor license is not needed for tile, fencing, fixtures, cabinets, millwork, ornamental iron and welding, painting, sandblasting, vaults, and gunite. Even so, contractors selling those services still need an ABQ business license and liability insurance. If your contractor can’t show these to you, then you’re not covered for their mistakes and damage.
3) Have them provide a written quote, preferably on their letterhead. The more professional the company seems, the more risk you’re buying down. Do they have business cards? Do they provide receipts? How are they at returning your calls? All these little variables will help you understand how much risk you’re taking.
4) One of the best ways to buy down your risk is to avoid paying anything up front. This is the biggest red flag to me. No money down. The most I will pay is a reimbursement for material when they deliver the materials and give me receipts. The final payment is given when the job is done.