“Home is a shelter from storms-all sorts of storms.”-William J. Bennett
As summer draws to a close, people are getting their properties ready for the colder months. Due to housing costs, many upgrade their current homes rather than sell and buy new ones. Enhancing or protecting your home involves hiring professional contractors and companies. Fraudulent activities regarding these activities have reached an alarming level.
Unscrupulous vendors may pad quotes, cut corners, and use substandard materials. These scams result in stress and financial strain. While many homeowners are aware of such scams, many continue to fall victim to well-spoken or aggressive people.
Here are a few examples of home service scams and how to protect yourself.
A scammer pretending to be a contractor or an expert in building inspections comes to you with an unsolicited inspection report of your home. The chimney is dangerous and needs to be repaired. They threaten to file an official complaint if you do not complete the repairs immediately. Their company can do the work. They have one opening, although they are booking up quickly. They take your money and run.
A scammer places an online ad for home improvements. You contact them, they give you a quote and request a large deposit for the work. You pay them, and they stop returning your calls. On the date that repairs are to begin, no one shows up at your home. The company was not legitimate.
Scammers posing as contractors go door-to-door selling services. They offer discount materials that they have left over from another job. You must pay up-front and in cash. They pressure you to make a decision.
In any of these examples, work may begin, but it will probably be of poor quality or unfinished. Once the first part of the job is done, the scammers may tell the homeowners that the damage is worse than they thought. They will request more money to pay for additional supplies or to finish the job.
If you need home repairs:
- Get recommendations from people you know and trust.
- Ask for proof that your contractor is licensed and insured.
- Do not hesitate to call local officials to learn about regulations regarding payments, licenses, inspections, and other homeowner and contractor obligations.
- Only pay in full up-front or make a final payment once the work is completed.
- Check for online reviews of contractors and businesses.
- Get multiple estimates and read any contracts carefully or have an outside party in the home repair industry read it with you.
- Ensure that all of the spaces are filled in.
Our home is our castle, but it is also a huge investment. Taking a few extra steps can save you huge heartache and financial loss.
