HOME IMPROVEMENT SCAMS

From our Summer 2008 Newsletter

Unfortunately, many homeowners unwittingly hire crooked contractors to improve or repair their homes, and they wind up being cheated out of money or paying for inferior work. Before signing on the dotted line, remember the following:

• Be wary of a salesman who comes to your home uninvited, especially if he claims he was doing some work for your neighbor or was just "in the neighborhood."
• Ask for references, with names and telephone numbers.
• Beware of the low-ball bids or offers that seem too good to be true, because they usually are.
• Beware of people who ask for a large "deposit" or ask to be paid in full before the work is done.
• Do not sign a contract with blanks in it.
• Beware of a salesman who claims that his offer is for a "limited time" or is "today only," especially where he is pressuring you to sign before you have read the contract.