Tip-offs to Potential Rip-offs

Not all contractors operate within the law. Here are some tips that they are a less than reputable contractor:

• solicits door-to-door;
• offers you discounts for finding other customers;
• just happens to have materials left over from a previous job;
• only accepts cash payments;
• asks you to get the required building permits;
• does not list a business number in the local telephone directory;
• tells you your job will be a “demonstration;”
• pressures you for an immediate decision;
• offers exceptionally long guarantees;
• asks you to pay for the entire job up-front;
• suggests that you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows. If you’re not careful, you could lose your home through a home improvement loan scam.