Consumer Corner: Avoid Home Improvement Scams
Dear Attorney General Steve Six,This summer I'm finally going to get some home repairs completed. Our roof and driveway are particularly worn down and I am looking for a good deal. I have heard a few horror stories about work being left half done or being poor quality. How can I avoid such problems?
Dear Concerned Kansan,
As spring ends and summer begins, many Kansans will make plans to improve their homes – adding a fresh coat of paint, fixing the roof, or completing other home repairs. Because summer is the best time for homeowners to work on improving their property, it can also be a season for scammers to prey on anyone looking to hire contractors or landscapers.
It is important to remember that most businesses are reputable and operate within the law. However, there are those who take advantage of consumers and homeowners who are looking for the best price. I encourage all Kansans to be cautious when entering into agreements with contractors and home repair businesses.
Here are a few tips to make sure your home improvement project doesn’t lead you into a scammer’s trap:
- Always ask for references – your friends and neighbors probably have had similar projects done. Find out who they hired and if they were pleased with the work.
- Get at least three written estimates from different contractors. Insist the contractors come to your home to evaluate what needs to be done. Be sure the estimates are based on the same work so that you can make meaningful comparisons.
- Get everything in writing. Insist on a contract that states exactly what work will be done, the quality of materials that will be used, warranties, timetables, the names of any subcontractors, the total price of the job, and the schedule of payments.
- Do not make large down payments. It is typical to pay about one third the total price upfront. Do not make the final payment or sign the final release until you are satisfied with the work.
- Listen carefully and know your property. Scam artists may try and tell you something is wrong with your home to get you to spend more money. Always get a second opinion.
- Check contractor complaint records. Your state or local consumer protection agency or Better Business Bureau can provide this information.
- Make sure the contractor meets licensing and registration requirements. Your state or local consumer protection agency can help you find out what these requirements are.
- Check their license plates – a lot of scam artists are from out of state.
- Inspect the materials as best you can. Reputable contractors will use high quality materials.
- Verify the company’s name, address and phone number. Reputable businesses will be listed in the phone book.
- If you are the victim of a scam, report it. Predatory businesses often survive when people are too embarrassed to report their situation. There is nothing to be embarrassed about; in fact, the information you report will help others in similar situations.
Most importantly, Kansans should remember a fundamental rule when dealing with contractors or entering any business venture: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Never be afraid to take time to think about a contract or arrangement before making a final decision.
The Consumer Protection Division in the Attorney General's Office stands ready to protect Kansans from predators of all kinds. If you have a question or concern about a contractor or any other consumer issue, please call us at (800) 432-2310 or visit us online at www.ksag.org.