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...
97848 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...
74932 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...
72099 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...
53359 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...
30875 Views
Latest Articles
How Much Does It Cost To Take A Bath?
Plumbers know that a bath may seem like a relaxing luxury, but the real cost extends far beyond your water bill. The average soak uses 35 to 50...
on Apr 8, 2025
10 Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget
A concrete patio can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. It is durable, versatile, and can be customized to fit your style. But what if you...
on Mar 25, 2025
Tips for Creating a Stunning Personalized Photo on Canvas
Order the unique beauty of a personalized photo on canvas and bring your memories to life. With a customized photo on canvas, you can transform...
on Mar 7, 2025
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
on Feb 18, 2025
Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan
When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...
on Jan 12, 2025
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...
Sponsored Articles
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
on Feb 18, 2025
Real Estate / Finance

Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 264
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 203
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 148
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
How to Better Prepare for Bathroom Remodeling
There are so many things you can do to improve the bathrooms in your house. Renovating the bathroom is a worthy project to take on for a number of...
6 Steps to Choose the Best Retractable Awning for Your Home
Outdoor awnings are an excellent investment primarily because it covers you figuratively and literally. First, if you need a place to rest outside...
Outdoor Renovation 101
Reshaping an entire outdoor space is a very challenging process, especially during summer, when you are supposed to spend a lot of time enjoying...
3 Tips for Dealing with a Ghosting Contractor
Being ghosted by anyone is upsetting. But when you have paid a contractor to do work and then they drop off the face of the earth, it is even...
If Your AC Unit is Making Any of These Noises, Get It Checked Out
Air conditioners can and do make noises, and while some are completely normal and benign, others may signify a more substantial problem. If your...