If you own a house, you know that unexpected repairs are inevitable. Unfortunately, so are scammers who prey on unsuspecting homeowners. It's not always easy to tell the real repairman from the scam artist, and many people fall for scams because it's hard to verify contractors.
When you're looking for a new contractor, it can be frustrating to sift through the various gimmicks, sales pitches and tear-down tactics. Here are some tips to help you find the right one for your project.
Conduct your research
Before you hire anyone to do work for you, research them. Check their credentials and licensing, if applicable. Google the company name and see if you get any hits. If you can, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints against the company or person. If the company has a website, see what you can find out about it. The same goes for any contractors who contact you unsolicited. It should be a red flag if they don't have a website.
There are a number of reputable companies that can help you with your home improvement projects like residential roofing. However, you need to conduct your research to ensure that they are reputable companies. You should only hire a company that has been around for a while.
Watch out when someone offers special deals
When you are looking for a home repair contractor, you may find a lot of advertisements promising special deals or discounts. However, you should always be aware of any special deals or discounts. These deals may be a way to scam you into paying more for the job. Before you consider any deal, always make sure that you are completely knowledgeable of the deal's details and the total cost of the job.
Homeowners are always looking to get a good deal on home repair services. They are especially prevalent when you need emergency repair services. You may be paying way too much for the service you need and getting way too little in return. The most common occurrence of this is when homeowners have emergencies in their homes.
Watch out for red flags
A lot of people have been hit hard by the recession, so when someone calls and says that your home needs repairs and that you may qualify for a government grant, it's easy to be taken in by a home repair scam. Before you sign on the dotted line, keep in mind these home repair scams red flags:
1. Worker appears in an ordinary car or van
2. They offer free or leftover materials
3. Don’t wear uniforms
4. They don’t provide a schedule
Don't pay before work or in cash for a big project
When you need a large job done, it's tempting to pay in advance or give a down payment to get the work started. But it's a big mistake. Contractors who want your money before they do the work are likely to take your money and run the moment you let your guard down. If you want to check references, that's fine. But don't let a contractor talk you into paying them in advance for a big project.
If a maintenance specialist asks you to pay before they do any work or in cash, it's a red flag. "It is generally common industry practice for contractors to request payment arrangements by approved credit cards," said the spokesman for the Internal Revenue Service. "Cash is a sure sign of a scam." Asking for payment in advance is a sign that the contractor does not expect to deliver high-quality work and maybe a scam artist. If a contractor provides reputable ac services, they will provide references and a resume.
Get everything in writing
When looking for a home repair service, you want to make sure you are getting the best possible results. However, it is not always easy to know who to trust. One of the best ways to make sure you are working with a legitimate contractor is to make sure you have everything in writing. This includes the written contract, the price, the terms and conditions, and the payment schedule.
