Employing a home remodeling contractor should be a deal grounded by a firm foundation of confidence. Come to the table prepared with these strategies for avoiding the more common contractor scams.
Four personal references should be listed
It can be worth it to ask a contractor for just one more reference when they show up with three just to make sure everything is okay. A fourth reference should be from somebody who had an issue with the work. They will have called the contractor back to fix the problem. Finding out how a contractor really works is very easily done this way.
Sometimes you need a backup
Typically, contractors are honest with you. It is still better to be safe than sorry. Some people live alone. Give the contractor the impression that there will be someone else there by having somebody else with you in the conference. After the friend leaves, check the doors and windows are locked.
Look the contractor up with the Better Business Bureau
Going to the Better Business Bureau in your area to have a look at a contractor is always a good idea and makes sense. Not everyone does this though. Check them out with BBBs in surrounding states, particularly if you seek home remodeling following a natural disaster.
Make sure the permit is right
Contractor’s license, operating permits and bonds (surety, performance, and workers’ comp) must be verified before hiring any contractor. Verifying the contractor can be done through the secretary of state’s office. Do this in the state where the permit came from. It may be a good idea to talk to local authorities also. Make sure there have not been any legal troubles with the contractor.
Make sure you talk to an insurance agent in the property remodeling business to discover out what you would like for a contractor bond, says Phae Howard. Howard is from the National Center for the Prevention of Property Improvement Fraud currently.
Insurance troubles
Make sure you know how your contractor’s insurance is working before you hire a contractor. Stolen equipment is a fact of life, and you want your contractor to be prepared.
Some contractors want your information for insurance. They say they’ll do the work and make calls for you. Do not do it. Cullins warns the scam can hurt. Never give individual insurance information or proceeds to any contractor.
All supplies have to be bought by the contractor doing the work
Hitting you up piecemeal for supplies (or supply money) at regular intervals is a sign that your contractor is unprofessional. Sometimes you will have to purchase. Do not give the contractor money directly then. Buy what is needed on your own at the store while conference them and deliver them when needed.
Hire an inspector
Make sure an inspector comes to check the project being done. Do this after the permits have been pulled by the contractor. You can use the inspector after the project also. This can be a safe thing to do.
Have the right contract signed
Unless you are sure about the details, including every little thing in the project, do not sign the contract with a contractor. Have an attorney review the contract before you sign it if anything is unclear.
Information from
Bankrate
bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/10-ways-to-avoid-contractor-scams.aspx?ic_id=tsThumb2
BBB
bbb.org/
NCPHIF
ncphif.org/
Beware A/C scams
youtube.com/watch?v=87qYI6NUQ9o
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