DEAR TIM: The last two times that I have had work done I have been very dissatisfied with the performance of the contractors. They broke promises, abandoned the jobsite for days at a time, didn't complete the work, etc. I know that there are professional contractors out there, what should I look for? C. P.

DEAR C. P.: You are right. There are professional contractors who work in the industry. However, just as with milk, only the cream rises to the top. The qualities which are common to many professionals are subjective and somewhat hard to define. I will do my best to list as many as I can.

Professional contractors are both craftpeople and business people. They should be able to produce satisfactory and prompt results, whether they are cutting a piece of wood or administering a change order. Phone calls should be returned within 24 - 36 hours. Scheduled appointments should be kept. A professional will arrive on time or slightly ahead of schedule.

Professional contractors will, in most cases, not hesitate to offer a detailed breakdown of job costs. This breakdown allows homeowners to develop a fair payment schedule for completed work. Lending institutions in many parts of the country use this system in new home construction. Professional contractors work under these conditions on a regular basis.

A professional will provide you with a copy of his or her current workman's compensation certificate. They will also offer to you with a copy of their certificate of insurance indicating the limits of their general liability policy. Generally speaking, both of these policies are paid in advance. Make sure that the policies will not expire prior to the completion of your job.

Some states require contractors to be licensed. A professional will produce a copy of his or her current registration without hesitation.

In the event that the job does not have detailed plans and specifications, a professional will produce a detailed list of work to be done. Where applicable, specific materials will be spelled out in this listing.

Professional contractors will indicate specific starting dates and provide you with a schedule of how the job will progress. This schedule will indicate a completion date. In the event the job is delayed, or changes orders occur which add or delete work, the professional will adjust the schedule and notify you of the new anticipated completion date.

A professional contractor will not employ high pressure sales tactics. He or she will produce a clear and concise contract which is fair to both parties. Often this contract will include a method by which disputes can be settled.

Professional contractors are sometimes members of a trade association. They also possess a broad knowledge of the trade and keep current with new technology. They should be able to produce current copies of trade publications addressed to them. Professional contractors have many repeat customers. They should be able to produce a long list of these individuals.

Finally, consult your local Better Business Bureau. Ask how long the contractor has been in business. Ask if there are any unresolved disputes pending regarding the contractor in question.

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