Builders and Remodeling In the Ozarks

Missouri has been experiencing a huge boom in both residential building and remodeling which has pulled a lot of new businesses up with it. Do you know how to choose a good builder?

Eclectic Elegance home by Rhoads Design & Construction

Over the last few years, we’ve had many customers in the store who are so relieved that we employ our own installation and service staff. Many of them have either heard about a friend who’s been burned, or experienced bad service themselves. We’ve heard everything from “they finished the job but it’s not right but they won’t come back” to “we gave them a down payment and never heard from them again”.
These horror stories can be very scary but getting recommendations from others and following a few guidelines can get you set up with a great company who can do a great job on your project! The Greater Springfield Home Builders Association (HBA) suggests looking for the following red flags:

You’re told that on this job, a contract “won’t be necessary.”
You’re asked to pay for the entire job “up front” or pay cash to a salesperson instead of a check or money order to a company.
You are confronted with scare tactics. Often something like “if you don’t hire me to fix this right now, it’s very dangerous” or “if you don’t hire my company, someone else will do it wrong”.
You’re told you’ve been “chosen” as a demonstration project at a special, low price.
You’re told a low price is good only if you sign a contract today.
The contractor won’t give you references—or the references can’t be located.
You can’t verify the contractor’s business address.

To find registered builders and remodelers in the area, the HBA provides a listing of reputable services that are part of the association. From fully custom home builds and renovations to lighting and paint retailers they have recommendations for every project.

The On Your Side team at KY3 has also been covering these stories locally, speaking directly to Secretary of State, Jay Ashcroft about the matter.

“I would advise any consumer to reach out to our office to find the records on a company bidding for a job. Find out how long they’ve been registered with our office. Are they still registered? Are they in good standing?” said Ashcroft.

You can also search online at the SoS website to confirm a business by name and their standing with the office.

City Retreat 4 – Components and structure provided by Maschino’s, limestone countertops provided by Phenix Marble, stonework provided by Botello Plastering & Construction

KY3 says further, “always do your homework and ask for a business license and insurance proof. Remember…Missouri court records are public information available online and for free. Use these resources to protect your wallet.”

For work that Maschino’s does not directly provide, we do have a wonderful list of builders and subcontractors that we work with alongside our installs. Part of the Maschino’s experience is getting you into contact with other companies that we know perform amazing work and we’re happy to share those references with you for your own projects. It’s also worth keeping in mind that a busy contractor is a good contractor, so you may have to wait a little while for your project to be started and should plan accordingly. Some of these businesses are also seasonal (landscaping, deck building, etc.) and they’re likely busier during different times of the year and contacting them as soon as possible never hurts.

You’re told that on this job, a contract “won’t be necessary.”

You’re asked to pay for the entire job “up front” or pay cash to a salesperson instead of a check or money order to a company.

You are confronted with scare tactics. Often something like “if you don’t hire me to fix this right now, it’s very dangerous” or “if you don’t hire my company, someone else will do it wrong”.

You’re told you’ve been “chosen” as a demonstration project at a special, low price.

You’re told a low price is good only if you sign a contract today.

The contractor won’t give you references—or the references can’t be located.

You can’t verify the contractor’s business address.

“I would advise any consumer to reach out to our office to find the records on a company bidding for a job. Find out how long they’ve been registered with our office. Are they still registered? Are they in good standing?” said Ashcroft.