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Home improvement scams are on the rise. Fraudsters target homeowners who want to renovate their house on the cheap. Often, they ask for money upfront and don’t finish the job, leaving homeowners out of pocket. Here are four ways you can protect yourself from these type of scams.
1. Be Wary of Anyone Who Knocks on Your Door
If someone knocks on your door and claims they can renovate your home for a cheap price, it’s probably too good to be true. Always check the credentials of anyone who approaches you for a home renovation project. You do this by asking to see their home improvement license or verifying their claims on your local government website.
2. Get a Proper Estimate
Fraudsters are quick to take your money. A scammer might give you several quotes for the price of labor and materials or provide you with a vague quote without explaining the total cost of the project properly. Remember, if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hand over your cash. Check the home improvement contractor’s website or contact the person by phone and get a proper estimate with a full breakdown of costs.
3. Ask Plenty of Questions
You should always ask a contractor plenty of questions about your home improvement project. Asking a contractor how long your project will take to complete, for example, will help you gauge whether the person is legitimate. If the person appears confident and answers your questions, it’s a good sign. Vague answers. on the other hand, could suggest the person is a scammer.
4. Do Your Research
You can find out whether a home improvement contractor is legit by checking out websites like Home Advisor, Angie’s List, Porch, Handy, and Amazon Home Services. Professionals use these websites to advertise their home improvement services, but they have to undergo a rigorous screening process. Here, you can find local home improvement contractors with the credentials and experience you need, which provides you with peace of mind. You can also go through a home warranty company like Select Home Warranty to make sure you are getting a quality professional.
Don’t become the victim of a home improvement scam. Follow the four steps on this list and make sure you know how to choose a credible contractor who will complete your job properly.
About the Author
Mary Beth Eastman
Mary Beth Eastman serves as the content manager for Versus Reviews, where she is dedicated to helping readers compare popular products. Mary Beth has a degree in Journalism from Bowling Green State University and has focused her 20-year journalism career on putting readers front and center, carefully considering their concerns and presenting information that will help them in their everyday lives. She has won numerous statewide journalism awards. Her writing has been featured on numerous websites in addition to Versus Reviews, including the Huffington Post and the Lexington Law blog. Mary Beth resides in Pittsburgh, Pa., with her family and two rescue dogs.
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