March 2, 2017
News from Seniors And Law Enforcement Together (SALT)
Home Repair Scams
Spring and summer are prime seasons for home improvement projects, but also for home improvement scams and fraud as well. Home improvement fraud includes contractors who ask for substantial up-front payments, do little or no work, or never finish the job right. Other contractors offer a low price and then unrealistically charge more as the job progresses. Others subjects are “fly-by-night” traveling con-artists working their roofing, paving, chimney repair, tree trimming, utility worker, or “storm chaser” scams.
Tips to finding a good contractor and avoiding home repair scams and disputes:
- Watch for scams at your doorstep, where someone shows up and says your driveway needs repaving, or your house needs new shingles – and they “just happen to have materials left over” at a big discount! Just say no to anyone demanding an immediate decision, or someone who only accepts cash.
- Watch for scams at your doorstep, where someone shows up and wants to trim your trees or requests to enter your residence to check on utilities. Never allow subjects inside of your residence that you have not invited or called yourself.
- Check out and interview contractors before you sign a contract or pay any money. Request and contact local references. Check on complaints with the Attorney General’s Office and with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured. Be wary of a person or company not listed in the local telephone directory.
- Get several written estimates, choose the best, and get a contract in writing (and don’t forget to read it!) Before work begins, agree on a written contract detailing the work to be done, the brand and/or the specifications of the materials to be used, the price, that all change orders must be in writing, and other terms. Put start and completion dates in writing, and remedies if the contractor fails to meet them. If you’re filing an insurance claim to cover the costs of damages, negotiate the details with your insurance company directly and not through a contractor.
- Avoid paying large sums or the entire job up-front. If you need to make a partial advance payment for materials, make your check out to the supplier and the contractor. Insist on a “mechanic’s lien waiver” in case the contractor fails to pay others for materials or labor.
