With warm weather approaching, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of New Jersey is warning homeowners to be on the lookout for home-improvement scams.
This is the time of year when less-than-reputable or unqualified contractors breeze into town promising a variety of services at cut-rate prices. They may show up at your door, advertise in local papers or deliver fliers to your home.
Complaints to the BBB concern a wide range of problems, including high-pressure sales tactics, confusion over contract terms, poor workmanship, incomplete job performance, overcharging and in some cases, home foreclosures.
“It is not your lucky day when a contractor shows up on your doorstep offering a too-good-to-be-true deal on a project.
The salesperson may claim he has materials left over from a recent job at your neighbor’s house or a “house down the street.” This is a common ploy of fly-by-night contractors who are based out of state and use their pickup trucks as their place of business,” said Elizabeth Merkel, president of the Better Business Bureau of New Jersey.
Complaints against home-improvement/home repair contractors are among the most common consumer complaints received by the Better Business Bureau. There is little wonder, considering how lucrative the business is. Americans spent over $200 billion in 2005 on home remodeling/repair projects, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
“There are thousands of reputable contractors who will deliver quality work on time and within budget. Consumers can avoid costly mistakes and scams by doing some research before opening their wallets,” said Merkel.
Comparing cost before making a financial commitment toward any home-improvement project is very important. In doing so, you should solicit at least two or three bids from prospective contractors based on the same building specifications, materials, labor and time needed to complete the project.
When looking for a reliable contractor, ask for references and check them out. Check with the BBB for a report on the contractor.
Do not permit work to start without a signed written contract that includes all verbal promises that were made by the contractor. Be sure that the written contract includes a start and completion date, a breakdown of the cost and information about the contractor, including license number, street address and phone number.
If you need financing for your project, it may not be wise to agree to financing through your contractor or someone he suggests. Final payment should not be due until the job is done. Homeowners should pay by check or credit card, never cash.
The Better Business Bureau, Hamilton, is a private, nonprofit organization serving all 21 counties in New Jersey.