Some Home Depots did have their own installers, but that went away with the Affordable Healthcare Act. You could also use networks like Home Advisor, which do the same thing. HD or Lowes at least gives you some level of security that the contractor is vetted at least to some degree. But one potential pitfall with an independent is if they turn out to be shady, have no insurance at all, etc.you could be left 100% holding the bag. They may not be, especially if you do have a good resource for an independent, then that's how I'd go too. I'm not saying that hiring HD or Lowes contractors are necessarily the right way to go. The contractors or HD often don't do much to help clear the situation. A lot of the confusion when hiring someone from HD or Lowes comes in because the consumer doesn't understand how the relationship actually works and winds up "barking up the wrong tree". They are 100% independent contractors who have an agreement. Or in the limited situations where the insurance company can recommend a contractor, it's the same scenario as when HD or Lowes does. The insurance company just assesses the damage and writes the check.the customer hires the contractor. Agents normally wouldn't have a clue about contractors, as insurance companies generally do not hire them (limited exceptions, not getting into here). I agree that a good resource could be referrals from friends or neighbors. I work in general liability (and auto) insurance claims. I know it'd be different for you as your project will hopefully not be so labor intensive but it can be very challenging dealing with a company like HD or Lowes when you're 1 of 50 projects on their schedule that week. No middle men or large companies this time. I also talked with the various electricians, plumbers, tile guys who have been here in the last year and asked them who they would personally hire to work on their homes. We're starting to move forward on renovating the bathrooms this summer and this time we're only dealing with local people on whom I've collected recommendations from friends/local facebook sites. I thought it would be easier going with a major company and boy did we learn our lesson. The ones who aren't have been a major PITA and communication has been subpar from most everyone, Lowes and contractors alike. The contractors who are great, are awesome. That's been an ongoing theme with this whole process. He already didn't show 8 weeks ago with no explanation. If we are lucky, the painter is supposed to be here Wednesday to finish. Paid the first week of July last year, started work in August. Decided to go with Lowes because of financing and there would be someone to help design the new kitchen as it was a complete gut job. My husband and I started talking about remodeling our kitchen last May.
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