Whether you’ve experienced storm damage to your home or business, or you are simply wanting to have routine repairs made around your home, there are several “red flags” that you should watch for to avoid home repair scams. There are so many scams out there! Some home improvement scams involve contractors showing up at your door uninvited. They will offer to repair your roof, paint your house, etc. or offer “handyman” services for a low cost. They ask for payment in advance and if you’re lucky, they may show up. If they do, you will soon notice they’re repair work is not worth the time it took for you to answer the door. It can be difficult to catch and prosecute these con artists. Here’s a few tips on how to protect yourself and avoid home repair scams from Consumer Reports:
- https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2015/05/avoid-home-improvement-scams/index.htmGet recommendations. Avoid contractors that contact you unsolicited. Don’t hire a contractor based solely on an ad in a local newspaper, even if you’re offered a big discount or another incentive. Get recommendations from friends, neighbors, or relatives.
- See what others are saying. Before hiring a contractor, check his or her work history with your state consumer protection agency (go to usa.gov/directory/stateconsumer for a list) and the Better Business Bureau. Search the Web using the company or individual’s name and such words as “reviews” and “complaints.”
- Check credentials. Verify with your state that the contractor has the required license or registration. Some states have funds that reimburse consumers who obtain judgments against licensed contractors.
- Know your rights. Some states give consumers three days or so to cancel home-improvement contracts. Under federal law you have three days to cancel most contracts that are signed in your home or outside the contractor’s regular place of business.
- Get everything in writing. Don’t rely on spoken promises. Demand a written contract, and get all warranties in writing, too.— https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2015/05/avoid-home-improvement-scams/index.htm
ComeBack Restoration knows that it’s not always easy to Avoid Home Repair Scams. Hopefully these tips will help you find a contractor that will leave you smiling and happy after the job is complete! If you find yourself in need of more information, have questions, or simply want to get a quote, ComeBack wants to help! Contact us here or call us @ 850-530-5732.