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New scam can hurt home owners!

By
Home Builder with N & J Lake Properties, LLC

If you are looking for remodeling, additions, updating work to be done, be careful and hire a reputable and licensed contractor.

Recently two neighbors of mine had word done.  They went with the lowest bids from contractors not from this area, not members of the home builders association and maybe not even licensed with the state.  The jobs got done.  My neighbors felt satisfied and then bam out of no where came bills for materials in the mail.  They tried to reach their contractor only to find his phone number on his card was no longer in service.  Tried to find him on google, no luck.  Called the state to check on his license... ummm no luck their either.

Now these two neighbors who thought they were getting an extordinary deal have liens on their house from the supply company.  No they did not order, nor sign for material but it was delivered to their address.

It's important to know that all the material and all the sub contractors are paid or YOU the "Yeah I got a deal" home owner can be in a great deal of debt.

Matt Listro
National Credit Fixers - Matt Listro - Vernon, CT
Your Credit Repair Expert

I agree - rule number one of contracting --> if it is too good to be true - it probably is!  I once was contracting out what I (any many contractors) thought was a $50,000 project and one contractor bid $4,000!  Needly to say, I discounted him as an idiot!

:)

Mar 04, 2009 06:45 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

It's true.  I wouldn't hire a contractor without checking on references. 

Mar 04, 2009 07:18 AM
Jerrill Ewing
N & J Lake Properties, LLC - Eatonton, GA
Builder

Yeah I don't think it would have been wise to give someone that far off base the job.  Project might have fallen down.

References are indeed a great idea.

Mar 04, 2009 07:23 AM
Tad Petersen / Home Inspector, Mpls
Safeguard Home Inspections, Inc. - Watertown, MN

The same applies for home inspectors. Minnesota does not require we be licensed, therefore potential clients should ask the inspector for their credentials.

Mar 04, 2009 09:01 AM
Lynn911.com ~ Dallas Real Estate Agent Top Team
Dallas Houses for Rent Dallas Apartment Rentals Lynn911.com - Dallas, TX

I agree you have to be careful.... new to a/r if so welcome.... Have a great and successful weekend.

Mar 05, 2009 01:48 PM
Jerrill Ewing
N & J Lake Properties, LLC - Eatonton, GA
Builder

There are some good home inspectors in our state who have credentials even though there is no requirement.  I certainly recommend them. 

And thanks Lynn

Apr 02, 2009 08:43 AM