There are warning signs, say experts, that your remodeling contractors may be scam artists -- or simply shoddy at what they do.
Here are some signs.
You may be a scam target if your would-be contractor:
- solicits
door-to-door
- offers you a deal on
materials from another job
- only accepts
cash
- needs a commitment
today
- tries to push to sign a
contract
- offers a special low rate
because the job is a "demo" or will be used in
advertising
- isn't listed in the
telephone book
- phone calls only lead to voice mail or
answering machine
- fails to provide
references and credentials or can't verify references and
credentials
- unverifiable business license and
insurance
- offers to cut his price
if you find him other customers
- wants you to pay for the
entire job upfront
- wants you to pay a
salesperson instead of the company
- offers an unusually long
guarantee
- wants you to get the
building permits