We all want to believe the best in others – but you may want to think twice before entrusting all your faith into just anyone’s home repair work abilities.
As a homeowner, you may be eager to get crackin’ on that list of home repairs (your driveway needs sealed, you’d like to paint the exterior of your home, maybe replace the tile in your bathroom, and the list goes on…) and you intend to enlist the help of professionals on the way. Unfortunately we live in a world where scam artists – or least of all, bad repair service workers – exist, so it’s best to take certain measures to avoid being taken advantage of. Trulia has compiled a list of things to consider before hiring help for your next reno project.
The Contract
Always have a contract in place, preferably a written one. Be wary of any company or handyman who doesn’t want a contract. Make sure your contract at least outlines an estimate and an approximation of when the job should be finished.
Research
Do your homework. Researching a potential contractor is always a good idea. Along with asking for recommendations, check them out on BBB.org for their Better Business Bureau rating, what licenses that profession might need, and customer reviews.
Estimates
Get more than one estimate. Trulia recommends getting at least three estimates, but to give all three estimates careful consideration – don’t go with the cheapest by default. Also, Trulia advises staying away from companies unwilling to give an in-home estimate.
Payment
Whatever you do, do not pay in full upfront. If your contractor is subcontracting some of the work, Trulia advises you request a list of subcontractors, the work they’ll be doing, estimates for what they’ll be paid, and proof they’ve been paid at the end of the job.
Source: http://www.trulia.com/blog/spot-contractor-fraud-home-repair-scam/