If you’re hiring a contractor to make improvements on your home, be alert! Home improvement scams are more common than you may think, and they can cost you.
Here are 8 ways to spot a home improvement scam.
1. The contractor insists on being paid up front
Be wary of any contractor demanding you pay most of the fee up front. This is likely a scammer trying to cover for shoddy work or even a no-show.
2. The contractor refuses to supply references
Never hire a contractor without speaking to someone who’s used their services. If a contractor is in the middle of another job, ask if you can check out their work yourself. If a contractor refuses to furnish names and contact information of previous clients, move on to other options.
3. There’s negative information about them on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) site
Before hiring any small business you’ve never used before, check them out on the BBB website. You’ll be able to read reviews and ratings and see if complaints have been filed against the company.
4. The contractor demands payment in cash
Cash leaves no trail and makes it easy for scammers to walk away without doing much — or any — work.
5. The contractor will work for an insanely low price
If you’re offered a bid that is a lot lower than market price, ask questions. There’s a good chance you’re dealing with someone who cuts corners. If they avoid giving answers, look elsewhere.
6. They show up at your door … uninvited
Don’t fall for the contractor knocking on your door claiming to have done recent work in your neighborhood. Your uninvited visitor is likely a scammer who will do sloppy work, leave the job half-finished, or disappear with your money. If the contractor does seem legit, look them up on the BBB site and ask for references.
7. The contractor refuses to put anything in writing
Never hire anyone to do work on your home without a written contract. Include as many details as possible in the contract, like payment terms, a definitive date for the work’s start and completion, warranty information, and a clear description of the job.
8. They try to avoid permits
Never hire anyone to do work on your home without a written contract. Include as many details as possible in the contract, like payment terms, a definitive date for the work’s start and completion, warranty information, and a clear description of the job.
