I have one question about the economy. If the economy is so bad, why can’t I get any contractors to return my phone calls about me wanting to spend thousands of dollars with them in home improvements? I have been trying to get in touch with several fence companies, deck builders, and carpet contractors for several weeks. None have returned my phone calls. If they are hurting so bad, why don’t they want my business?

Bob Weiss, the executive vice-president of the Home Builders Association of Kentucky, could not specifically answer why the companies you contacted didn’t return your calls. He could, though, offer some suggestions on how to find a contractor who will return your calls.

Weiss said who you should contact depends on what type of work you are doing: new construction or remodeling. In general, companies do one or the other, not both. The Home Builders Association of Kentucky has contact information for area home builders groups which includes new construction and remodeling contractors.

To be a membership in the local Home Builders association, contractors must agree to several criteria,  including agreeing to provide a contract for all work; offering a warranty for work; carry work insurance and other requirements. The Home Builder association also can provide some mediation for disputed work.

Weiss said he was recently speaking with some contractors in Louisville which has quite a lot of repair work due to the recent wind storms. According to Weiss, Kentucky has “lots of contractors who are ready and willing to work.”

From the Associated Press, a list of tips for working with contractors:

• Hire an experienced contractor.
• Interview multiple contractors and resist the temptation to employ the first available tradesman.
• Ask potential contractors the tough questions: How much experience do you have on this type of project?
• Do you have proof of insurance?
• Have you ever been sued for bad work?
• Call the Better Business Bureau where you live to find out whether any complaints have been lodged against the contractor.
• Make sure to ask a prospective contractor to provide you with references.
• Don’t buy on cost alone. A lower-cost contractor who doesn’t show up on time, or who changes quotes for labor and materials mid-project, isn’t a good value and might end up costing you more than you’ve budgeted. So don’t quickly rule out contractors who might want to charge more for better service and a promise to finish on time and within budget.
• Get it in writing. Say it with me: No deal with a contractor is ever done on a handshake. If a contractor candidate offers a standard contract, run it by your real estate attorney to make sure your interests are included in the terms. (An attorney also has sample contracts that will give you an idea of the language and terms usually covered.)

Filed under: Economy