SPONY provides access to professional service providers and vendors as a resource for our members. The fact that a company or individual is listed on the SPONY website or is a SPONY member does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee of their services, qualifications, pricing, performance, or business practices.
Property owners should always conduct their own due diligence before engaging any professional or service provider. This may include:
- Checking licenses, certifications, insurance, and professional credentials when applicable.
- Asking for references and speaking with other property owners who have used the provider.
- Reviewing the provider's experience with buildings and issues similar to your own.
- Obtaining and comparing written proposals, scopes of work, and fees.
- Confirming exactly what is and is not included in the proposed services.
- Asking about warranties, guarantees, timelines, cancellation policies, and additional or unexpected charges.
- Verifying that the provider carries appropriate insurance and, when appropriate, requesting a certificate of insurance.
- Checking for complaints, disciplinary actions, lawsuits, or other relevant public records when appropriate.
- Making sure contracts clearly identify the parties, responsibilities, payment terms, and conditions of the engagement.
- Never providing access to your building, financial information, tenant information, passwords, or other sensitive information without appropriate safeguards.
Trust is important, but verification is essential. A provider who is recommended by another owner or is familiar to the SPONY community should still be evaluated based on your property's specific needs.
SPONY encourages members to ask questions, get multiple opinions or proposals when appropriate, and make informed decisions before entering into any business relationship. Members are ultimately responsible for selecting and engaging their own professional service providers and for determining whether a provider is appropriate for their property.
If you have concerns about a vendor or service provider, please contact SPONY so that we can be aware of issues affecting our membership.
