Frequently Asked Questions

Feared Question #5

“Is your company a member of the Better Business Bureau, a local chamber of commerce or any trade associations?”

Being a member of the Better Business Bureau has its obvious advantages to the customer. The question is, why wouldn’t a contractor want to belong? If they can’t afford the small yearly investment, perhaps the financial stability of their company should be questioned. If they don’t want an easy way for potential customers to check them out, what might they be hiding? If not the BBB, then perhaps some other consumer reporting agency. If a prospective contractor doesn’t belong, make sure to ask why.

How about the local Chamber of Commerce? The Lyons Club, Rotary Clubs, or other community organizations? Why might those be important. For one, it gives you a clue that the contractor you are considering hiring is a stable business. Secondly, belonging to and participating in community based organizations is a good thing to do. If the contractor is only looking out for #1, and doesnt want to waste any time or money with organizations like these, will they really be looking out for you?

Trade associations are another good indicator of a contractors stability and commitment to his or her trade. For Remodelers, The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the premier educational source for remodeling contractors. For painters, the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA), established in 1884, is the largest paint trade association in the country (it is also the oldest trade organization in the U.S.). Members of PDCA abide by a written code of ethics, and have access to incredible opportunities for education, training, and technical consulting. Again, for the small investment for membership, why wouldn’t a serious remodeling or painting contractor belong to a professional organization like NARI or PDCA? It is not a big surprise to learn that many of the top remodeling and painting contractors from across the country are members. If the contractor you are considering is not a member of some trade organization, does that mean they know it all? How do they get continuing education or additional training? It’s a big red flag you shouldn’t overlook.

The Smoke and Mirror Tricks

The obvious trick here is to use the BBB, NARI, PDCA, Chamber or other organizations logo’s without being a member. The BBB continuously goes after unscrupulous companies that attempt to trick customers into thinking they are members. If you suspect something, it is easy to check out. Even coming up with fake organizations that sound good as been done. Most of these groups have a web site, just check it out. Sometimes a company was a member of an organization at one time, but is no longer. They just keep using the logo’s. Again, if a contractor is not ethical in their promotions, what will they do to cut corners on your job?

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