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Our business "dealings" go way back. When my parents first moved into this home in(about) 1953 they ran out of oil.  At the same time, there was no extra $. Oil was sent to keep the family warm and this was done on "a handshake" that it would be paid.  We are proud to still be with the company. I also use your company at my new townhouse.

C.K., Sewell

You can't see home comfort or touch it, but we all know what it feels like when we don't have it. Whether you're considering replacing your old heating or air conditioning system, McAllister can help. First, you need the right contractor. With all of the clutter and options, how do you make heads or tails out of choosing the right contractor for your home improvement project?

McAllister is South Jersey's premier home comfort specialists; and, with the cooperation of your local Better Business Bureau, we gathered ten time-tested tips for selecting the best contractor for your project.

1. Before making your choice, call your local Better Business Bureau and affiliated state and community agencies for a company history of complaints and resolutions to make sure the dealer is reputable.
2. Ask for references: Current customers are an excellent source of information and are often willing to share their experience.
3. Check local licenses: Ask to see any applicable state and local licenses, bonding, and insurance coverage.
4. Get a detailed written proposal: Beware of a dealer that does not back-up their offer in a detailed written proposal. A detailed written proposal is one sign of a quality contractor.
5. Heat loss-heat gain calculation: Expect a thorough calculation performed with an on-site evaluation. A good contractor should measure your home, check insulation factors and evaluate your overall comfort needs.
6. Equipment/labor warranties and guarantees: Warranties and guarantees vary according to manufacturer and dealer. Don't be afraid to ask questions and demand that they are included in the written estimate.
7. Follow contract law: Demand that your contractor follows contract law. A new comfort system is a big decision and with big decisions comes responsibility. According to New Jersey law, all home improvement contracts include a 3-day right to cancel.
8. Ask your contractor about the maintenance requirements of your new system: What can you do yourself and/or does the contractor offer maintenance services? A maintenance agreement is one of the best ways to ensure your system's performance, reliability and safety.
9. Know and understand the contract: Beware of ambiguous contracts and again, ask lots of questions. It is very important to understand all aspects of the agreement with your contractor before any work begins.
10. Get more than one estimate or reference: If you are uncomfortable making your decision for any reason, get two or three estimates or references and compare. More information is better than less; however, compare more than just price when evaluating estimates. Look for the best value!

The Consequences of Choosing the Wrong Contractor:

By selecting a qualified heating, cooling, and plumbing contractor you will avoid many of the common home improvement hazards including:

* Frequent system breakdowns
* Improper installation
* Unsafe and/or inefficient operation
* Shortened equipment life
* Lack of timely service
* Unusually high energy bills
* Voiding of factory warranties
* Theft, property damage or worse
* Building Code Infractions and penalties

McAllister is among New Jersey's largest and most trusted home comfort specialists, and we encourage our customers to do their homework. We're confident that, in the end, we can earn your business and help you avoid the perils of selecting the wrong contractor. There are no shortcuts when it comes to selecting the right contractor; however, given the opportunity, we hope to earn your business.

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