Staying away from popular indications of contractor scams

If you are going to employ a contractor, it’s essential for you and your cash that you employ someone that you can trust. With due diligence, you can keep away from some of the most popular forms of contractor scams in the wild west.

Get personal references to call

While it is not uncommon for private contractors to show up for a client meeting with three personal references, it’s worth it to ask them for one more. A fourth reference should be from somebody who had a problem with the work. They’ll have called the contractor back to fix the problem. This is the best way to determine how a contractor really works. It will help you know the contractor’s values.

Get a backup in the conference with you

Typically, contractors are honest with you. It is still better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you have someone with you when you meet the contractor so they think someone else will live there if you’re living alone. Your friend will eventually leave and so will the contractor. Lock the doors and windows after they leave.

Use Better Business Bureau resources

Not everybody will go the extra mile and go to your local Better Business Bureau to check the contractor’s record. If you need home remodeling after a natural disaster, it is especially important that you look at BBBs in surrounding states.

Bonded status and license need to be verified

Contractor’s permit, operating permits and bonds (surety, performance, and workers’ comp) must be verified before hiring any contractor. Verifying the contractor can be done through the secretary of state’s office. Do this in the state where the license came from. Make sure the local authorities have not had any problems with that contractor in the past.

Make sure you talk to an insurance agent in the house remodeling business to discover out what you want for a contractor bond, states Phae Howard. Howard is from the National Center for the Prevention of Home Improvement Fraud currently.

Insurance problems

Speaking of insurance, one thing a customer should know for certain before hiring a contractor is whether the contractor’s insurance is in impact. Stolen equipment is a fact of life, and also you want your contractor to be prepared.

Another essential note concerning insurance involves contractors asking you for your insurer’s contact information, than contacting them for you. Don’t do it. Cullins warns the scam can hurt. Personal insurance information needs to be protected. Contractors do not need it.

Supplies purchased by contractor

Contractors should not be asking you for money for supplies. That is an unprofessional one. Sometimes you will have to buy. Do not give the contractor money directly then. Meet them at the supply store, purchase what is needed and make sure the materials will be delivered to the site the day they’re needed.

Getting the place inspected

After the permits were pulled, have an inspector check the project. You can use the inspector after the project also. This is a safe thing to do.

Every detail in the contract counts

Sometimes you’ll want to avoid signing the contract with a contractor at first. Make sure all details are clear. Have a lawyer review the contract before you sign it if anything is unclear.

Citations

Bankrate

bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/10-ways-to-avoid-contractor-scams.aspx?ic_id=tsThumb2

BBB

bbb.org/

NCPHIF

ncphif.org/

Beware A/C scams

youtube.com/watch?v=87qYI6NUQ9o