A house is just a building; windows, doors, empty halls, but it’s not a home. There are many houses, some are pretty, some are….’nice’. What makes it a home is the people inside, the unique culture, the celebration, the unique touch we each place to reflect a piece of ourselves. Who we let into our home leaves its own impression and can add to our sense of security or diminish it.
We recently had a request for assistance in providing a second opinion on a contract that had been signed and paid. What we found was that the issue they were sold a fix for didn’t exist, the pictures they were shown had been someone else’s crawlspace. Someone trusted to protect their home had diminished their sense of security.
So how can you be be more certain the person you’re hiring will treat your home like a home and not just another house? Each profession is a bit different though there is overlap in general: requesting a certificate of insurance, reading reviews, gauging the person and verifying they have a valid license.
Regarding pest control, the Department of Agriculture requires us to carry our licenses with us. You can verify this license is valid through the WSDA website, using their license search to verify both the company has a valid license and the individual on site has a valid license. They will also reflect if the company has current insurance, the license will be suspended if this is not on file.
Be wary of excessive deposit amounts. It’s typical under $1000 to require payment up front but more than a 50% deposit on larger jobs is extremely rare.
Most importantly, trust your gut. If there’s a feeling of distrust or you need to talk it through with your partner, listen to your instinct. It’s always ok to take time and discuss such an important matter, to read the contract and ensure you feel secure in the decision. If someone tries to pressure you to sign quickly or belittles your need to review the information, they may be hiding something.
Most importantly, get a few quotes so you can see where the information aligns and get a feel for who fits you best. Most companies offer free inspections so all it costs is time and patience to ensure you make the most informed decision you can.
It may be house, but more importantly it’s your home and you deserve to have it treated as such.
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