SPRING...TIME FOR HOME REPAIRS & HOME REPAIR SCAMS

10 TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

1 Do not pay a large advance payment in cash.

2 Do not use a contractor who drives a vehicle with little or no identification, or has business cards without a street address.

3 Be cautious when someone arrives at your door uninvited with a special repair deal, or has materials left over from “another job”.

4 Beware of contractors who ask you to get building permits.

5 Only use contractors licensed and registered with the state.

6 Your contractor should have personal liability, worker compensation and property damage coverage. Ask to see copies of all licenses and proof of insurance.

7 Ask for a list of references, and then check them out. Visit the references’ home to see work done. Ask them if the work was done on time, on budget, and did the contractor clean up after construction.

8 Check out the company’s on-line reviews at YELP, Angie’s List and Craigslist. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have a rating. Important to not just go by on-line reviews as sometimes they have fake customers leave good reviews.

9 Call Office of Consumer Protection at 1-800-481-6896 if you have questions or want more information on current home repair scams.

10 If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!