Good weather often brings out itinerant contractors offering to give homeowners a price break on work around their homes.
But some of these contractors can’t be trusted, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) urges consumers to be cautious when dealing with door-to-door solicitors for home improvement projects.
In recent years, BBB has received reports of paving contractors, roofers and others who offered customers a deal because they have leftover materials from another job. Some homeowners told BBB that the contractors took their money and did either inferior work or no work at all. When the homeowners tried to contact the contractor, they either got no answer or were unable to get refunds or repairs.
Several homeowners said they lost thousands of dollars to itinerant paving services last year. In one case, the contractor did the work, but a big part of the driveway washed away in the first rainstorm.
Getting work done around your house can be costly, and it is important to hire someone you can trust. Friends or relatives may have experience with a contractor, but BBB advises consumers to go beyond those recommendations and check a company’s BBB Business Review at midmobbb.org or by calling 573-886-8965.
BBB offers the following tips to consumers approached by contractors:
• Do not be tricked by businesses claiming to offer one-time-only savings. Often, this is a way to convince a homeowner to agree to a job without researching the company.
• Get at least three bids when considering a contracting project. Consider all aspects of the proposal and remember that the lowest bid may not always be the best.
• Read any contract carefully before agreeing to work. Make sure you get any verbal promises in writing before signing an agreement.
• Make sure a company is insured and bonded. Get the name of the insurance company and check it out before agreeing to hire a contractor.
• Ask for lien waivers showing that suppliers and subcontractors have been paid.
• Do not pay all money in advance. Do not make a final payment until all work is completed and you are satisfied with the job.
• Pay by credit card whenever possible, in case you need to challenge the charge.
• Research the company. Find a BBB Business Review by calling 573-886-8965, or check our website at midmobbb.org. Do an online search to find reviews, news reports or other mentions of the company.
Sean Spence is the Mid-Missouri regional director for Better Business Bureau.