Tips on hiring good people

The Better Business Bureau is offering tips to consumers to ensure they hire the right people to take care of their property this fall.

Everyone knows it’s important to have the chimney serviced and yard debris cleaned up before winter, but beware that flyer in your door from a chimney sweep or tree trimmer offering a “one-of-a-kind” deal. Do some your research before you let people work on your property.

“Take the same amount of care finding a business to perform work outside the homes as for inside,” said Paula Fleming, spokeswoman for the Better Business Bureau.

Some suggestions:

• Hire a professional. Make sure you know who you’re dealing with and how to reach them if problems arise. Be sure to ask for references.

• Be wary of door-to-door solicitations. Every year, countless homeowners have tree trimmers or chimney sweepers knock on their door and offer a discount. In too many cases, the work is shoddy or only partially completed while paid in full, and the company’s not coming back. That means the property owner has to find a reliable business to do the job right.

• Ask for an on-site inspection of all landscaping, all parts of the chimney, or any other areas that need preparation for the fall. Estimates should be given only after the inspection. Businesses that give an estimate without a visual inspection cannot be sure of the scope of the work involved, and consumers run the risk of paying more than they were quoted. Estimates should include all labor, cleanup and disposal charges.

• Get everything in writing. A contract should clearly state the services you will receive, as well as when the job is expected to be completed, payment terms and conditions, contact information for the business —phone number and address — as well as any refund or cancellation policies.