11. How do you handle warranty issues?
"This is a different question from 'What is the warranty for this work?' Many vendors will
refer you to the manufacturer's warranty, and this means that if there is a warranty issue,
you will be dealing with the manufacturer and not your contractor who did the original
installation. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean there may be special
steps required to have something serviced under warranty.
Another point to consider is whether subcontractors are being used; make sure that the
company you are contracting with is responsible for performing warranty repairs— not
the subcontractors. Using subcontractors is very common in our industry and while
some boards shy away from it, I think this is a great way to get a project done efficiently,
as long as you ensure all your contracts and warranties are with your primary contractor.
Many crews that serve as subcontractors on larger projects are part of their own small
business, and you want to ensure that you aren't in a situation where the vendor who is
supposed to perform warranty work is no longer in business. As long as your contract is
with your preferred contractor and they are a reputable vendor, they are going to honor
the warranty regardless of the original subcontractor being available."
-Lea Marcou, CMCA
®
, AMS
®
, PCAM
®
Associa Chicagoland
12. Does this feel right?
"If you've done your proper vetting, you should feel good about the decision. People who
know me know I always trust my gut - it's, most of the time, right."
-Mike Holmes
Professional Contractor and TV Personality
