[Frankawitz]

That would post the names of Companies in Michigan who do LOW QUAILTY construction work and who work without Licensing in the trades that require a license?

[TaxBait]

Many with licenses do low quality work.

[Driller1]

I could fill it up! Great idea!

[Frankawitz]

I did a job for a builder($300.00) and now he's sticking it to me, Says he will pay me when he gets around to it. I posted a message on craig's list but they removed it. they called it an attack against his company. All I did was state how he wasn't licensed, I was trying to warn Homeonwers before they hire this company, The guy who owns it talks about how he does 5 million in remodel work in SE Michigan, a lot of times he doesn't pull permits for the Kitchen remodels he does. The thing is that if something goes wrong years later there is nothing the Home Onwers can do to this guy. I feel that if there was a web site put up by the BBB or the State showing these companies who are ripping people off. Plus this guy low balls so any legal company can't compete with a unlicensed contractor cause these type contractors don't play by the rules and they always cut corners.

[Bydand]

I think that it would be a great idea. As long as the entries could be verified somehow and not just a pissing match between contractors. NOT saying that is what is going on in your case, but I can see it happening if the site started to get a good following.

[northernguy1960]

It's a great idea. Another thought would be to include common sense information for the consumer about what to look for when you hire someone to work on your home. It amazes me how many people don't think to check on these things when they hire a contractor. Look at how many times you see news stories about people who were taken advantage of with disastrous results. With money tight for so many, it's tempting to shop for the lowest price without taking everything else into consideration.

Could use a board, too, listing builders that stiff contractors, sometimes for very large amounts of money. Been there, done that! :-/

----Northernguy's Wife

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by northernguy1960

It's a great idea. Another thought would be to include common sense information for the consumer about what to look for when you hire someone to work on your home. It amazes me how many people don't think to check on these things when they hire a contractor. Look at how many times you see news stories about people who were taken advantage of with disastrous results. With money tight for so many, it's tempting to shop for the lowest price without taking everything else into consideration.

Could use a board, too, listing builders that stiff contractors, sometimes for very large amounts of money. Been there, done that! :-/

----Northernguy's Wife

People will not listen when you tell them. I have told people to call the heath department and check if a drilling contractor was licensed. In a year or two they will call me back whining.

Even licensed drillers (some) will put galvanized parts, rather than brass and call it job security.

[Frankawitz]

I agree with you about it could turn into something that may not be the best, But I hear so many people tell me about how this contractor did this or that. I tell people to call the BBB. I have seen contractors lower their prices just to get work. the thing is here is when you see or hear how they cut corners to save them money or they just didn't figure the extra cost. I always tell people you get what you pay for, so if the job is priced low it could turn out to be a pain for what it's worth. I took care of the Builder who was trying to stick it to me, I went to the Home Owner and told her what was going on and since she is acting as the GC of their job she cut me a check so I'm good, I think this is the first time I got my money with out all the BS. After this I know I will not work as a sub for another builder again. I have always refused work from other builders just because they want to stick to the smaller contractors. Here in Michigan the construction Laws are so weak against builders and so many rip folks off and it just makes it harder on us that try do everything to make the job right for our customers. I just figured that if people had a web site that they could go to and air out their complaints it may help to pull the covers off some of these guys who shouldn't be working in construction. Laws should be in place to put heavy fines and taking licenses not just the slap on the wrist.

[Sanveann]

You could post a review on Angie's List (Welcome to Angie's List: The Best Source for Local Home Improvement Contractors!).

[Frankawitz]

The thing with angie's list is you have to sign up and they charge you. I was trying to find a place where people could place their complaints that they didn't have to pay for. Also would like to know how many folks use these companies that are out there for finding Contractors Like Service Magic or Renovation Experts etc., I have heard from a lot of contractors across country that these Lead Companies are ripping off the Contractors and also the Homeowners, what do you folks think about this and would you use them or have you used these Lead Companies like Service Magic. All feed back would be appreicated very much Thanks