Date: March 2019

Total number of completed evaluations: 80

Background: When building or repairing your home, the general contractor you hire can be either the biggest help or the biggest source of problems you will encounter. You can learn to protect your interests and avoid financial disaster by becoming an informed consumer. 

Of the 80 participants who completed an evaluation, 70 rated “Steps Toward Hiring a Dependable Contractor” as “better to much better” than other programs they have attended. Note: 3 participants rated it as “much worse to average.”

Overall, people liked the following about the program: Handouts and resources; open discussion; concise, clear presentation; PowerPoint; websites to check; specific, helpful information, including legal information.

Other specific examples:

• Info About B.B.B. – Cost to be a member.
• And Angie list
• I enjoyed the concise, clear presentation. Our presenter was personable, professional and to the point.
• Speaker was very Knowledgeable and interesting
• Where to go for information
• Pertinent & useful information. Gave resources to use at home.
• Learning what is required before beginning a building project.
• Learning how to file a complaint if not satisfied.
• Presented explained she could not answer technical questions.
• The contract information to check out contractors before hiring
• Names of regulatory agencies
• Sources to contact in the state to check on contractors
• Comments from members of past experiences

In summary, participants would like to see the following improvements: Include information about smaller jobs; list of steps to take when hiring a contractor; reduce glare on screen from light overhead; have an expert present to answer technical questions; use a microphone so people can hear; repeat audience questions for those who didn’t hear.

Other specific examples:  

• It was great… good length!
• More testimonials from the class
• Well informed, answered all questions
• We need much improved guide lines for our city.
• I do not know that – Was said often [Written below nondiscrimination statement]
• Instructor might ask for audience experiences where applicable
• More detail on the power point slides
• Maybe use 1-2 common jobs – like adding an addition, tree removal
• A list of good, honest contractors who respond to requests
• How to go about making a scam artist pay for bad work

To examine the effectiveness and feasibility of the Steps toward Hiring a Dependable Contractor program, Harrison County offered the program to [X?X number] participants. Of these, 80 completed post-session evaluations. 74 participants responded that they learned where to seek recommendations for a dependable contractor. 77 participants responded that they are aware of the resources available to verify contractors’ contact, license and insurance information. 77 participants responded that they learned what should be included in a written contract with a contractor. And 78 participants responded that they are aware of how to locate and file complaints against contractors.

Participants reported learning the following new information: Need for a contract and what to put in the contract; only three counties require the contractor to have a license; contractors may say they are license, bonded and/or insured, even though they are not, and the homeowner needs to check them out; worker’s compensation is required for all workers on site; that the contractor is responsible for getting permits and the homeowner must make sure they actually do;

Other specific examples:

• The reasons you need a permit
• Information Where to file a complaint
• Check on referrals
• Protections in place for natural disasters
• Where to check for contractor license
• disaster relief info.
• Sources for legal help / building codes
• Fayette Co. you have a licensed contractor
• Have a written contract with the exact things you want to be used.
• It always helps to get info from others who have used these contractors  .
• The process to follow before starting a project
• The process to follow if the project is not completed correctly
• Check subcontractor licenses, also.
• I am the boss!
• They have to provide information on insurance & permits.
• Places to go to check about codes and make sure everything’s done correct.
• Make sure all details are written on contract
• Homeowner’s responsibility to workers through contractors insurance
• Resources & tools.
• Make sure insurance is up to date
• Get estimates
• What could be possible liabilities as a home owner.
• Good techniques / things to do when closing a contract
• Contracts are needed for quick disaster repairs.
• Homeowners insurance does not cover workers compensation.
• Never pay anything up front
• If the job changes have a revised contract.
• Can provide my own contract
• Storm legislature [legislation?]
• Every contract should be verified not just home contracts
• That KY Attorney General office can answer question on contractors
• Kentucky laws
• disaster contractor info
• Look at the contract & make sure it is detailed
• Excellent websites
• How owners are protected from scammers
• To ask for proof of license and insurance from any contractor
• Make contract specific to my needs & wants & to verify work before last payment
• list of agencies to get informed before hiring a contractor
• Storm chaser legislation
• Get references
• Types of insurance contractor needs
• I can add more of my requirements to a contract.
• I need to make sure all workers are covered by insurance.
• What office to check on bldg.. permit
• Not to trust all Amish contractors
• Items to attach on list in the contract
• What to ask for in an inspector
• How to avoid getting sued
• Licenses – who can skip & how they skip the system

Misc. general comment:

“The Amish were not mentioned by the presenter or as part of the presentation of Hiring a Dependable Contractor. A participant, however, did elaborate on her negative experience with a contractor and workers who were Amish.”     -- Benita Peoples, 3/19/19