Home Improvement Scams
Spring is here – let the home improvement projects begin!
It might make sense to hire someone rather than do the job yourself. Finding a good contractor is important since a home improvement project gone wrong can cost you big time.
Teams of professional home-improvement scammers roam the country scoping out victims. “Travelers”, or “Storm chasers” as they are referred to, move from state to state and city to city offering, fast, inexpensive home repairs, roofing, and paving. Hiring the wrong contractor can cost you more than money; it can lead to delays, sub-par work, and even legal problems.
Finding a legitimate contractor takes time and effort, but it will pay off in the end.
DOOR-TO-DOOR CONTRACTORS OFTEN:
• Ask for cash-only deals, high upfront payments, and handshake deals without a contract.
• Use high-pressure sales tactics.
• Are often from out-of-state. It’s best to use a local contractor. Denver does not accept or reciprocate contractor licenses and/or certificates from other counties or states.
• Prey on the elderly using friendly, but high-pressure tactics.
• Say they can give you a good deal because they have material left over from a previous job.
• Ask you to get the required building permits.
• Quote bargain prices but demand much more after the job is complete.
TIPS TO AVOID BEING SCAMMED
• Ask for references and check them out.
• Get several estimates.
• Don’t fall for a contractor who says they can get the job done without a permit.
• Ask what type of insurance they carry.
• Know what the payment plan is. Never pay 100% of the cost upfront. Pay in thirds, at the beginning, middle and, after you are satisfied with the completed project.
• Get a written contract. It should be clear and concise and include who is going to do the work, the specifics of the project, projected timing and cost of your project.
• In the State of Colorado, plumbing and electrical contractors must carry state-issued licenses, while general contractors have no statewide licensing requirements.
However, general contractors, and all businesses, need to register with the state.
CLICK HERE FOR A FLYER FROM THE DENVER POLICE DEPARTMENT ABOUT CONSTRUCTION.
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT RULES SURROUNDING CONTRACTORS AND LICENSING
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