If you stay in a house for any length of time, chances are, you’ll probably want to do some remodeling at some point. Or you never know when you could become a victim of a natural disaster. Whatever the case, phony home improvement predators are on the lose. They may knock on your door after a natural disaster happens, offering to repair a damaged roof or remove fallen trees. They’ll take your deposit but never return to do that work. money.com has tips from This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and the National Association of Home Builders that should help you spot a crook under any conditions.
Warning signs of a phony contractor:
— One who refuses to give you a copy of his license and certificate of insurance. Information on these items should include liability and worker’s compensation.
— A person who pops up out of nowhere. It’s someone who doesn’t provide references or gives you references you can’t verify. They might not even have a fixed business address.
— It’s someone who rubs you the wrong way. Best advice? "Trust your instincts," says Tom. "If something doesn't feel right about the person, then it probably isn’t."
— The “contractor” brushes away technicalities such as a contract but not the fee. They’ll also try to get you to pay for the project up front.
— Asks you to write a check direct for products instead of to the company.
— The person will try to bargain with you, offering you a low price for that day only or might ask to use your home as an example of their work.
— He or she might try to get you to buy stuff you already have.
— They might ask for money for work they haven’t done yet or for materials that haven’t arrived.
— Might use scare tactics to get you to buy extra services.
If you or anyone you know is interested Scottsdale Real Estate, please check out my website, www.Realestateforsaleinaz.com, and I’ll be happy to help.
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