According to the BBB, the home improvement industry is consistently in the top five types of businesses that receive the most consumer complaints each year. Complaints to the BBB about home improvement contractors include high-pressure sales tactics, confusion over contract terms, poor workmanship, incomplete job performance, and over-charging.
The BBB urges consumers to be wary of less-than-reputable or unqualified contractors who promise a variety of services at cut-rate prices. They may show up at your door, advertise in local newspapers, or put fliers in your mailbox.
The Better Business Bureau has the following advice for home-owners who hire home improvement contractors:
• Consumer Research: Check with the BBB to see if the contractor has unanswered or unresolved complaints on file.
• Identity Verification: Ask to see the contractor’s driver’s license to see if the name on his business cards is the same name on his license. Contractors who have a history of scams often use aliases.
• Cost Comparisons: Obtain bids based on the same building specifications, materials, labor, and time needed to complete the project.
• Licensing: Check to see if the specific industry requires contractors to be licensed and make sure the contractor that you hire has the proper licensing.
• Insurance and Bonding: Verify the contractor’s liability insurance to protect you. Be sure all workers are bonded to protect you against theft and damage.
• Written Contract: Do not permit work to start without a signed written contract that includes start and completion dates, exact costs, and specific work to be done. Read the fine print.
• Payment: Pay by check or credit card. If you are asked to pay for the entire job up-front, this should raise a red flag. Final payment should not be due until the job is done.
• Check the company’s BBB Business Review. Visit findacompany.org or call 303-758-2100.