Contractor Cons and Tricks to Watch Out For

Scare Tactics - When looking at the roof of your home (which has been a bit leaky recently) the contractor says things like "Well, that chimney looks like it's about to fall on someone's head. That would be a big lawsuit. Better start tomorrow or someone will be a goner."

If a contractor uses scare tactics like this the best thing to do is to avoid him. Even if a repair is urgent a good remodeler will not use these kinds of doom and gloom tactics to get your business. They may indeed point out the possible consequences that could arise if the repair is not made; for instance "your roof could develop some leaks within the next year" is a reasonable statement for a good contractor to make to a prospective client but "that roof is about to cave in" is not.

Hasty Quotes - The contractor pulls a grubby notebook from his back pocket, scribbles a few hieroglyphics and proclaims "I figure $9,800 should do it." If this scenario occurs when you are requesting a remodeling estimate, show the contractor the door and start your search again.

Reliable contractors do not doodle estimates on pieces of paper but instead thoroughly examine the problem and provide a written breakdown of the cost for labor and parts written on letterhead and back at their office, not while standing on your front lawn.

Refusing to Provide References - If a contractor is reluctant to provide proper, checkable references using lines such as "we don't give out customer names. We respect their privacy. You understand, don't you love?, move on. A satisfied customer is usually happy to provide a referral for a job well done and a good contractor will have obtained their permission to share their information.

Payment Up Front - The contractor says that the cost of the materials to be used in your remodeling project are expensive and he is going to need payment up front to get the job started. This is one of the loudest warning bells you will ever hear when it comes to remodeling and contractor scams.

Reliable contractors have accounts with their suppliers and once a contract is signed between the homeowner and the contractor for the work to begin they may well ask for a down payment - about 30% is usual - but never for the full amount on day one.

Shady Stuff - "I'll give you a good deal if you pay cash" the contractor says and indeed the figure he mentions sounds good, but do not be tempted. If a contractor wants cash that usually means he wants to avoid paying taxes or worse, he plans on moving to another state next week. Problem is, you will have no real record of the payments made (anyone can buy a receipt book from Staples) and if something goes wrong you won't have a legal leg to stand on.

Ursula K Rose - Renovation Experts USA

You can find lots of helpful information about finding a suitable home renovation contractor at Renovation Experts and read our home Renovation with Renovation Experts Blog, which is updated several times a week with helpful home renovation articles.