Home Renovation Scams and How to Avoid Them

Trista - October 31, 2021
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Home Renovation Scams and How to Avoid Them
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5. Do Not Trust Anyone Immediately.

To follow up with the last item, you shouldn’t trust people you just met. That goes for both business and pleasure. In this case, trusting a contractor right away can cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars. Not only that, it will waste your time, energy, and only add to an already stressful situation. So what should you look out for when it comes to home renovation scams? The scam begins with the would-be contractor telling you what work they can do on your home.

You add in some of your own ideas, and the contractor nods enthusiastically. Yes, all of your ideas will be implemented! Those ideas are not in the contract that you sign, but no worries. You had such a clear verbal understanding with each other — you took the contractor’s word — that those details were completely missing. The problem is that if a lawyer has to get involved, they will not give two cents about anyone’s word. All that matters is what is in writing. The contractor will say that those details were not included in the contract and will cost you extra if you still want them. The lawyer will have no choice but to agree.

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4. Do Not Pay With Cash.

As previously mentioned, if you are dealing with a contractor who insists on only taking cash or check, just say no. Credit card companies may have blocked them from engaging in unethical business practices. You also do not want to work with a contractor who insists on a substantial down payment. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the safest way to pay for any home renovation project is through a credit card. People cannot trace cash payments. If the whole home renovation project ends up falling flat, you will have few options for justice if you pay in cash. Checks offer slight protection. Of course, that is only to the extent that you can cancel the check before the scammer cashes it.

However, credit card companies are very adept at tracing where their credit cards are being used and the reputation of the company or individual receiving the payment. If they report that a particular proprietor acts with poor ethics, they can stop all future payments to that entity. They also can offer options in case there are problems with the quality of the work. Putting money on your credit card instead of shady financial institutions can also prevent any financing scams. Again, if the contractor tells you not to bother using your credit card or acts confused when the credit card company declines to process the payment, take that as a clear sign that you do not want this person inside your home.

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3. Do Not Believe A Shiny Printed Flyer.

You may see a flyer in the mail, on your car’s windshield, or placed on your front door, advertising the services of a contractor in the area. Flyers lend an air of credibility, but it is a false one. The temptation is to believe that only a reputable company would be able to get flyers designed, printed, and distributed, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Anyone can use a design program on the computer to create flyers and then have them printed. Anyone can get a logo made and copyright that logo. According to HomeAdvisor, you should be wary of any home improvement offer that you learn about through a flyer.

Likewise, anyone can take out an ad in the phone book, but the phone book requires something that a flyer does not: an address. While an address does not provide foolproof protection, it is at least somewhat traceable. Radio ads can also be sketchy. The station’s producer may require some kind of proof that this proprietor is legitimate before advertising; there is no guarantee. You may be getting the impression that finding a good contractor who will not scam you is hard. Yes, you are correct. But again, you want to look for contractors who have a solid reputation in the community. If someone cannot recommend a contractor that they used, you can guarantee that person had a bad experience with this contractor. 

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2. Leave Honest Online Reviews About Scams.

The best protection against scams is communal protection when you and the people in your community are actively working to keep each other safe. So make sure that you play your part in protecting your friends, family, and neighbors from home renovation scams. Did you find a good home renovation company or independent contractor? They did solid work on your house without any financial mishaps. There was nothing about needing extra funds partway through the project or providing a grossly misleading quote. If that is the case, let people know.

Was everything done on time and of the best quality possible? Share on social media by posting reviews on websites like Twitter. Even better, sites such as Yelp and Google for direct reviews. If the contract has a Facebook business page, make sure you comment. Spare people the pain of losing their shirts in a home renovation scam by letting them know whom to work with.

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1. Spread the Good Word.

Likewise, did you come across a fraudulent contractor who was basically running a big scam? Even if you did not sign the paperwork, let people know that this shyster does not have any success. Hopefully, the neighborhood can run them out of town. Do you see someone going door to door in your neighborhood? Are you sure that this person is a fraudulent contractor running a massive home renovation scam? Start calling your neighbors to let them know what is happening. Better yet, call the police and inform them that a suspicious individual is canvassing your neighborhood. If you are concerned about the term “suspicious” being a bit too overbearing, keep in mind that running scams are illegal. Public safety requires that scam artists be apprehended, preferably before they fool the next person.

Did you hear a radio station playing an ad for a contractor that you know is corrupt? Give the station a call or send an email to inform the staff there of what you know. Radio stations do not want to be advertising for businesses that may do a disservice to their listeners. They just may take your words to heart and stop advertising for fraudulent companies. Employ the power of social media by posting first-hand accounts on the internet. People who are considering working with a particular company may see your negative review and think better. Also, make a report to the Better Business Bureau. The BBB may not take legislative action. However, the agency can report on its website not to work with a particular contractor.

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