Unlicensed Contractors Are Out To Get You! Avoid The Contractor Fraud!

Great post Inna Ivchenko . You can never be too careful. 

Inna - that problem does exist in every state.  I always say check the license and don't pay cash.

Inna

Working with an unlicensed contractor can become very expensive . . . .  and that not a good situation.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Contractors were only licensed in our state about a decade ago.  I was very glad to see it, hopefully inspectors will be next.

Inna, especially with concerns over California drought, many homeowners may like to go with drought tolerant landscaping. Homeowners should check with their water district for any rebates before having the work done. Spot on, it is important to check if they have a license and it is in good standing first before hiring them. Don't be hasty.  

We had a situation in our area where an inspector was doing inspections and he had let his license lapse. The buyers have 5 days to get the inspection completed after the offer is accepted. This was not discovered until well after the 5 day period. What it meant was the buyers were not able to request any repairs that were found on the inspection since there was technically never an inspection completed during the 5 day period. It was quite a mess. I always show the buyers my license at the inspection, every time, no fail. 

Great reminder (warning!). I am always amazed how many people get "taken in" by unlicensed and unscrupulous contractors. The questions to ask are so simple and so easy to follow up on answers these days.

Tammy Lankford ~ if I read your comment correctly, you're saying that in GA inspectors don't need to be licensed? Amazing. Here in NC, I make sure they are licensed and properly insured.

In Florida we have GC, and then we have handymen. GC are licensed, handymen aren't.

Great post Inna! Scammers are everywhere and we have to always remain cautious. Thanks for the reminder!

Inna... I'm absolutely gob-smacked at this information. Then again, North Carolina is one the 8 toughest states in the nation in terms of regulating inspectors. That's not to say we don't have our share of bozo's, but there's no reason not to find one who is trained, licensed, and insured.

Whenever we have a storm in our area the roof chasers come a knocking. They have deals to offer that sound too good to be true. They are!

Hi Inna Ivchenko ,  Yes, they come in all forms.  We had a pick up truck, with no markings, stop by and said they were working on a job and when they drove by they noticed the cracks at the edge of out driveway entrance.  they said they had some "Stuff" left over and would repir it for a small fee that they wanted upfront, before going to get the "Stuff" to repair it with.  NO THANKS!

Hi Inna - anytime someone knocks on the door to sell something, it's probably a bad idea to take them up on it. I would prefer a referral from someone who's used them recently.

It is scary the stuff these crooks come up with to fleece people out of thier money.

Inna, There are tooo many scam artists contractors all trying to screw homeowners all over this ountry. Your post has a good list of items to check before doing anything, 

Great tips Inna. Two of my favorite TV shows are LA's Catch A Contractor with Adam Carolla and Canada's Mike Holmes on Homes: Make It Right.

Both shows give great advice and expose bad contractors and how to properly hire one. One of the most common frauds out their folks. No license, no work!

I'm sharing this post Inna, it's a good one!