Avoid home-repair scams this spring
Ask for references and check them out. Look into the contractor’s standard of work and professional affiliations, verify insurance, and check to see if licensing is needed.
Spring is around the corner, and now is the perfect time to start planning out those home improvement and maintenance projects that have yet to be completed. At the same time, the Better Business Bureau is warning homeowners to be on the lookout for home improvement scams. This is the time of year when less-than-reputable or unqualified contractors arrive promising a variety of services at cut-rate prices. They may show up at your door, advertise online or in local papers, or deliver fliers to your home.
There are thousands of reputable contractors who will deliver quality work, on time and within budget. Here are some tips from the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas on how consumers can avoid costly mistakes and scams:
Always check the company’s BBB Business Review. Go to BBBHouston.org or call 713-868-9500. Read customer reviews and any complaints that have been filed on the company.
• Compare costs before making a financial commitment toward any home improvement project. In doing so, you should solicit at least two or three bids from prospective contractors based on the same building specifications, materials, labor, and time needed to complete the project.
• BBB advises homeowners to never let a contractor pressure them into making a snap decision. A reputable professional will recognize that you need time to consider many factors when deciding which contractor to hire.
• When looking for a reliable contractor, consumers should employ a contractor with an established business in their area. Ask for references and check them out. Look into the contractor’s standard of work and professional affiliations, verify insurance, and check to see if licensing is needed.
• Do not permit work to start without a signed, written contract that includes all verbal promises that were made by the contractor. Be sure that the written contract includes start and completion dates, a breakdown of the cost, and information about the contractor, including license number if any, street address, and phone number.
• Think about future service issues. Make sure you are aware of your warranty coverage and how to deal with service issues.
• If you are asked to pay for the entire job up front, this should raise a red flag. Arrange for payments to be made as parts of the job are completed. Final payment should not be due until the job is done. Homeowners should pay by check or credit card; never cash.
Get a receipt. Request a receipt marked “paid in full” when the job is completed and your final payment made.
Keep your contract. Hold on to your contract for future reference or if any questions arise after the work is complete.