FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. How do I know if I have a good contractor?

A. Many contractors list organizations they belong to.  Anybody can join these organizations. Our recommendation is to call the people they have done work for in the last six months to get a good idea of what they are about today.

Another important tool is to go to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor or Construction Supervisor's web site after obtaining their licensing information and looking up if they have any complaints against them.  Go here to look one up now.

Q. Should my contractor be licensed and insured?

A.  Absolutely.  In Massachusetts using an unlicensed contractor who does not obtain the proper building permit will disqualify you from seeking relief if there are problems with your project from the Massachusetts Contractor's Guaranteed Fund.  One of the things about having a properly licensed contractor that obtains the necessary permits is that the contractor has to show the proper license and proof of insurance to obtain the building permit.  And you have the added protection of the building inspector checking on the quality of work and compliance with building codes.

Insurance is very important, especially Worker's Compensation and Liability because if an employee was to have an accident while working on your property, you could be held liable for any expenses associated with any injury or damages.

Q. How does the quality of materials affect my project?

A. The quality of the materials is paramount to the quality of the workmanship. From our experience we made a mistake in trying a new and unproven product that was recommended by salesmen from a major building material supplier that was a $4,000 entrance door that came blemished and damaged to the site. The use of proven and highly recognized products and materials will definitely give you quality, durability, value and peace of mind with your project.

For example, take ice and water barrier:  We do a test where we puncture samples with a nail.  On one product, the nail slips right out.  The other product, which is, like most products we use, recommended by architects and engineers, completely seals around the nail and when the nail is pulled out the sealant comes with it.

Not all pressure treated lumber, trim and framing materials, cedar wood siding and roofing is the same.  There are many grades to choose from.  Make sure your contractor knows his lumber.

Q. How is your construction company different from all the others?

A. We believe leadership starts at the top, and at the top Tom and Jack have built this company with one goal in mind - to provide the best quality, service and value for every project.

Tom and Jack have over sixty years of combined experience and education in the construction business.  They got into the trades in the early 70's and were trained with old school ways. This involves first pride in workmanship, consistency, and professionalism.

Shanahan and Quinn Construction's main priority is not the profit to be made on each job, but to do a job that will leave the customer feeling great, wanting to tell everyone what a great job we did.

Q. What should a contract consist of?

A. In Massachusetts, M.G.L. c142 A governs all home improvement contracts.  There are fourteen detailed items that should be included in your contract.  In summary, here are some of the important ones:

• The complete agreement between contractor and owner

• Full names, salespersons, owners

• Date on which work is scheduled to begin

• Date on which work is scheduled to be completed

• Detailed description of work to be done and materials to be used

• Total amount agreed to be paid for the work to be performed

• Time schedule of payments, finance charges.

• No final payment until work is completed

• All parties must sign the contract.

• Contractor's registration number

• Cancellation clause

• Do not sign clause

• Permit clause

• No acceleration of payment clause

• Signing of the contract clause

• Arbitration clause

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