Anytime you renovate or make repairs to your home it can be stressful, but if you want to avoid added stress be sure and check the list below on how to avoid home renovation scams.
Tips are courtesy of Pillar to Post Home Inspection Services
1. One-time special. If a contractor approaches you with a special offer, ask for concrete evidence that the quoted price
is lower than what they have charged in the past for the same work. Don’t be pressured into accepting a deal that will expire before you’ve had a chance to do research, get competing bids and check references.
2. I might as well. Be wary of the contractor who knocks on your door and says he’s working just down the street. Coincidentally, he just happens to have all the materials and tools to start right away. Ask him where they came from and who paid for them.
3. Cash before work. Nothing should set off more alarm bells than the contractor who wants to be paid in full for a project before it’s started. A reasonable down payment is expected, to cover startup labor costs and materials. Normally, this should not exceed one-third of the total contract value.
4. Financing offers. Another warning flag is the offer to arrange financing to pay for your renovation. The offer may include a special interest rate for a limited time only. The contractor may be getting kickbacks or other favors from the lender.
5. Fly-by-night contractor. Be extremely wary if a contractor pulls into your driveway in an unmarked truck. If you talk to him, do it outside in public view. Anyone who enters your home is a potential burglar, or worse.
6. Model home. Beware of the contractor who wants to fix up your home so he can show it off to other potential customers. Reputable contractors don’t need models to showcase their work.
While taking the above tips into consideration it’s also important to follow you guy instinct and common sense as often times you are correct. Thank you Pillar to Post for the great tips!
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