10 Signs of a Cowboy Builder You Should Watch Out For

Construction projects can be a nightmare, especially when you hire the wrong builder. Cowboy builders exist in every corner of the world – and they’re the last thing you want to hire. These so-called builders offer unrealistically low costs and unrealistic timelines, leaving you with disastrous and unfinished projects before disappearing altogether, leaving you high and dry.

So, how can you identify a cowboy builder before they take your money and disappear? Fortunately, there are specific signs you can look out for before hiring a builder for your project. This article will explore ten such signs to watch out for when hiring a builder for your next project.

1. They will be available immediately for work

When searching for a builder, be wary of those who are available immediately for work. A reputable builder will have a full workload, and if someone is available to start on your project straight away, it could mean that they have no other clients. It’s a red flag.

2. They won’t have references to provide you with

Reputable builders always provide references from previous customers, and they check out. But, cowboy builders will refuse to provide references, or their references will be non-existent. Always ask for references and visit the references provided, to gauge the quality of their work and the rate of the projects they’ve worked on.

3. They will provide an exceptionally cheap quote

Cowboy builders offer unrealistically low quotes to make the project seem alluring to unsuspecting clients. Be wary of cheap quotes, as they often mean that the builder is cutting corners, using poor-quality materials or misleading with their pricing strategy. Always ask for an itemized quote detailing every cost and payment schedule.

4. They won’t have a registration or license to show you

Always ask for your builder’s credentials, including their license, registration, and insurance. In many countries, builders are required to be licensed and registered with a national housing organization. If they can’t provide their credentials or offer reasons for not having them, it’s a red flag.

5. They won’t have a landline or address

A landline number and a permanent address are necessary to indicate the legitimacy and presence of a business. If your builder can’t provide these two details, it’s a huge red flag. A cowboy builder may also use a mobile number disguised as a landline to make it harder to trace them later.

6. They will ask you to pay in cash

Cash transactions provide no legal protection or paper trail in case something goes wrong. It also makes it easy for cowboy builders to avoid paying taxes, and they can quickly disappear with your cash with no way to track them down. Reputable builders accept payments made through legal means.

7. They won’t have a clear timeframe for finishing the project

A reputable builder will provide a realistic timeframe for completing the project. If a builder can’t give you an accurate timeline or seem to be shaky about the time it will take the project to be completed, it’s a red flag. Get a timeframe in writing and follow up on progress reports.

8. They don’t have a history

A good builder should have a track record you can follow online or offline. Past clients should have positive experiences to share, registration should be available, and there should be some online presence. If you can’t find any concrete info about the builder, it’s a red flag.

9. They won’t explain the work they’re doing to you

A reputable builder will take the time to explain the specifics of the project, materials used, construction procedures, and project timelines. They will also answer your questions concisely and with clarity. Any builder that can’t do this should be avoided.

10. They will refuse to sign a contract

Contracts are crucial for any building project and cover everything from payment to timelines and possible disputes. If a builder refuses to sign a written contract, consider it a red flag. A builder who refuses to sign a contract is protecting himself, not you.

Conclusion

Hiring the right builder can feel overwhelming, but it’s essential to be on the lookout for these ten signs to hire the right builder for your project. It’s not just about the home or building project – it’s about the trust and confidence you have that your builder can complete the project to your satisfaction. Remember to ask for credentials, look for references, avoid paying in cash and sign a contract. Don’t let cowboy builders ruin your project – be vigilant!