Home Improvement Scams
Bloom in Spring
April 19, 2001
Consumer agencies are warning homeowners that spring is the time of year when home improvement scams abound.
Elderly homeowners are the most frequent targets of traveling handymen who appear unannounced, often with a vague story about doing other work in the neighborhood. They offer to perform such chores as gutter repair, driveway paving and landscaping.
Often, the handyman asks for advance payment for supplies, then leaves, supposedly headed for the hardware store, never to return. In other cases, a price is agreed upon but when the work is finished, the handyman presents a bill that is much higher than expected.
Intimidated by the handyman or confused by the explanation for the higher charges, the homeowner often pays the inflated bill. Later attempts to reclaim the overcharges are nearly always futile, since the handyman has long since disappeared.
There's no surefire way to avoid being a victim of home improvement scams and even the most well-intentioned contractor or handyman can run into problems that may run up the cost of a project, but here are a few tips to keep in mind:
* Don't deal with any itinerant handyman who comes to your door. If they are insistent, ask them to leave. Call the police if they don't do so.
* Be sure the work is really necessary. Don't take the word of someone who comes to your door.
* Do not permit itinerant handymen to examine your house so they can give you an estimate. This is often the set-up to a scam or burglary ... or worse. Ask them to leave immediately. Call the police if they don't.
* Ask neighbors and friends to recommend a good handyman or contractor. Don't rely on leaflets stuffed in mailboxes or posted on bulletin boards.
* When interviewing a contractor, get a written list of work he or she has done in your area. Then go examine those projects or contact the previous customers.
* Draw up a written contract, including the work to be performed, the time frame and the agreed-upon cost of supplies and labor. If the handyman doesn't have a contract form, you can get one at your local library.
* Don't let the contractor finance your project. This almost always results in unnecessary charges. If you need financing, contact a bank or credit union.
* Demand to see the contractor's city or county business license and insurance certificate. Do not take no for an answer. Refuse to deal with anyone who will not provide this information.
* Always be certain you have the contractor's complete name, business name and his or her street address. Don't settle for a post office box.
http://consumeraffairs.com/news/homeowner_scams.html
By Bulldog
Bloom in Spring
April 19, 2001
Consumer agencies are warning homeowners that spring is the time of year when home improvement scams abound.
Elderly homeowners are the most frequent targets of traveling handymen who appear unannounced, often with a vague story about doing other work in the neighborhood. They offer to perform such chores as gutter repair, driveway paving and landscaping.
Often, the handyman asks for advance payment for supplies, then leaves, supposedly headed for the hardware store, never to return. In other cases, a price is agreed upon but when the work is finished, the handyman presents a bill that is much higher than expected.
Intimidated by the handyman or confused by the explanation for the higher charges, the homeowner often pays the inflated bill. Later attempts to reclaim the overcharges are nearly always futile, since the handyman has long since disappeared.
There's no surefire way to avoid being a victim of home improvement scams and even the most well-intentioned contractor or handyman can run into problems that may run up the cost of a project, but here are a few tips to keep in mind:
* Don't deal with any itinerant handyman who comes to your door. If they are insistent, ask them to leave. Call the police if they don't do so.
* Be sure the work is really necessary. Don't take the word of someone who comes to your door.
* Do not permit itinerant handymen to examine your house so they can give you an estimate. This is often the set-up to a scam or burglary ... or worse. Ask them to leave immediately. Call the police if they don't.
* Ask neighbors and friends to recommend a good handyman or contractor. Don't rely on leaflets stuffed in mailboxes or posted on bulletin boards.
* When interviewing a contractor, get a written list of work he or she has done in your area. Then go examine those projects or contact the previous customers.
* Draw up a written contract, including the work to be performed, the time frame and the agreed-upon cost of supplies and labor. If the handyman doesn't have a contract form, you can get one at your local library.
* Don't let the contractor finance your project. This almost always results in unnecessary charges. If you need financing, contact a bank or credit union.
* Demand to see the contractor's city or county business license and insurance certificate. Do not take no for an answer. Refuse to deal with anyone who will not provide this information.
* Always be certain you have the contractor's complete name, business name and his or her street address. Don't settle for a post office box.
http://consumeraffairs.com/news/homeowner_scams.html
By Bulldog
