Unscrupulous Contractor Scams
by Guest Post on Mar 14, 2013
Avoid contractor fraud by protecting yourself when entering into a home construction project. Most of the misunderstandings about contractor and homeowner relationships occur as a result of unclear or wrongly interpreted construction contracts. Upon entering into a building contract, the enthusiasm for starting the proposed work often creates a kind of glazing over or dulling of the senses on the part of the homeowner. Many times questionable terms and arrangements for payment scheduling are accepted or unknowingly agreed to as the homeowner's urgent desire to start work overshadows common sense. Often, the lowest priced contractor seduces the homeowner with promises of more value for the money.
Door-to-Door Solicitations
A solicitor offers to do roofing, painting or paying work at a reduced price. Once payment is made, little or no work is done and the project is abandoned.
High Pressure Sales
An unscrupulous contractor pushes for an immediate decision about work, which makes it impossible for the homeowner to get competitive bids, check licenses/registrations and review references.
Scare Tactics
A deceitful contractor offers to perform a free inspection, then claims that faulty wiring, bad plumbing, or a leaky roof put the homeowner in danger. The alarmed homeowner agrees to unnecessary and over-priced work.
Demand for Cash
A contractor demands cash payments, sometimes going so far as to drive the victim to the bank to withdraw funds. With money in hand, the unscrupulous operator takes the money and runs.
Illegally Large Down Payments
A dishonest contractor takes more for a down payment than is reasonable, claiming to need instant cash for supplies and to pay workers. A down payment shouldn’t exceed 10% or $1,000, whichever is less, or reasonable to the size of the project after you have investigated the license/registration, and verified the references of the contractor.
Verbal Agreements
A contractor states that a written contract is unnecessary—promising to deliver on the verbal agreement. The shady contractor takes advantage of the situation to perform shoddy work or none at all.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PAYMENTS!
- Don’t pay cash.
- Include a payment schedule in your written contract.
- Don’t pay more than 10 percent of the job or $1,000, whichever is less, as a down payment.
- Don’t let payments get ahead of the work.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
88489 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
69974 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
69692 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
48374 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
29059 Views
Latest Articles
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Shower Envy: Elevating Your Bathroom with a Stunning Walk-In Shower
Are you tired of the same old routine in your bathroom? It might be time to consider a change, and one way to elevate your bathroom to a new level...
on Jan 22, 2024
Exploring Crowdfunding as an Innovative Approach to Real Estate Investment
The landscape of property selling has been transformed significantly due to the advent of property crowdfunding. This innovative approach,...
on Jan 10, 2024
The Rise of Co-Living Spaces in Asian Cities
Asia, home to 21 of the worlds 30 largest cities, is a significant player in the global economy, contributing 38% of the goods and services of the...
on Jan 5, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
5 Easy DIY Steps to Fix Common Air Condition Problems
It can be quite frustrating to have your AC break when the weather is hot. And then you either have to endure the heat or call a repairperson....
How to Pick the Right Refrigerator for Your Kitchen
Whether you love cooking or just enjoy being in the kitchen to grab a quick bite out of the fridge; there is no denying the importance your...
A Facelift for Your Home, Exterior Renovation!
If you're considering moving, not because you've outgrown your home but because your house no longer has that same luster it once had, or you may...
Three Color Trends for this Year
Keeping ahead of the game in interior design is big business, and can often cost big bucks too. At home it is much harder to keep up with the...
How to Decide if Selling Your Home When You Retire is a Good Idea
The closer you get to retirement age the more people start to think about how to survive in retirement. Although everyone knows that you should...