Trustworthy Tips: How to Dodge a Home Improvement Scam

The home improvement industry is not strictly regulated in lots of places. Maybe you’re anxious about some needed home improvements to boost the value of your home, or to make it more livable. But, if a contractor comes to your door claiming to have recently done work in your neighborhood, be wary. They could be scammers who will likely do sloppy work, leave the job half-finished or take off with your money.

Furthermore, untrustworthy contractors often target homeowners after natural disasters or other unforeseen events. They’ll attempt to take advantage of you by offering cash-only deals, high upfront payments, or handshake deals without a contract.

Don’t Pay Up Front

One of the most prevalent home improvement scams involves contractors who show up at your door, offer to do work at low prices, then take your money without starting. In such cases, winning can be very difficult, and there’s no way for you to recover any of your lost funds.

Scam artists may use stolen materials or materials that don’t meet the specifications in a contract. A reliable contractor would never do this and only use material mentioned explicitly in the agreement.

In general, avoid paying upfront and request a written contract from your contractor. This way, you have total clarity on the project scope, costs, and payment schedule.

Be Wary of Contractors Who Offer Significant Discounts

When searching for a home improvement project, it’s wise to do your research beforehand. Check their business cards, see if they have any referrals, and read some online reviews to gain an overview of their work.

One of the best strategies for success is being honest about your budget. Doing this can help you select appropriate materials and stay within budget.

Be wary of contractors offering substantial discounts to take advantage of a deal. The best contractors will work within your budget and provide a fair and reasonable deal for their services. Plus, they may give you a free consultation and tailor a home improvement plan to fit your requirements.

Beware of Contractors Who Knock on Your Door

Be wary of contractors who make false promises. Any contractor who comes to your door and promises you a fantastic deal is likely a scammer. They may do subpar work, leave you with incomplete projects or take off with your money.

Authorities advise homeowners against being pressured into allowing strangers into their homes for repairs. It is always better to answer the door yourself and research the company before agreeing to let them in.

Be wary of contractors who require an upfront deposit or demand cash payment. Genuine contractors won’t need this; it should only cover a small percentage of the project price if they do require it. A reliable contractor will never require a large upfront payment and will provide you with a written contract that outlines all the job specifics, including warranty information and payment terms.

Don’t Hire a Contractor Without a Written Contract

Homeowners who hire contractors without a written contract often get taken advantage of. The contract should clearly outline all specifications for the work, prices, materials, and labor costs involved.

The contract should also clearly state any warranties and guarantees and document any modifications to the work throughout its duration. These details can help avoid unexpected charges that increase project costs.

Police urge homeowners to be wary of home improvement scams, particularly during spring and summer when more contractors are in the area. Be wary of those offering significant discounts or claiming they are local and knocking on doors.

Don’t Hire a Contractor Who Tries to Avoid Permits

Hiring a home contractor can be intimidating. They’ll help make your house more livable and functional, but be wary of contractors who aim to take advantage of you. To find an established local, try doing a voice search “home improvement contractors near me” on Alexa or Siri,

In some cases, scammers will try to deceive homeowners into believing no permits are required. This can be a dangerous tactic as it could indicate the contractor is unlicensed or trying to avoid dealing with local building inspectors.

Instead, request a lien waiver from the contractor so they cannot place a lien on your property. This clause is essential if you want to avoid unexpectedly facing costly repairs in the future.

References for Home Improvement Scam

Florida Lien Waivers Guide and FAQs – https://www.levelset.com/lien-waivers/florida-lien-waiver-faqs/

“Federal Trace Commission: How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam” – https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-home-improvement-scam