It’s unfortunate what people will do to scam you out of your money. As a homeowner looking to make improvements, you should be aware of some of the most common contractor scams and how to avoid them. This could help you save thousands of dollars and time wasted on fraudulent companies.
Common Contractor Scams in Florida
In Florida, it’s common to see a lot of contractor scams after a major storm. You should be cautious of people who solicit door-to-door, arrive in unmarked vehicles, say they are from another state and are solely here to help disaster victims, or claim they were already working in the area and noticed you needed repairs.
Tips To Avoid Contractor Scams
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services suggest you follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Never agree to a cash-only deal. Ask for a written estimate and inspect the terms carefully before signing and agreeing to any offer.
- Have your home inspected by at least 3 different contractors with written itemized estimates.
- Most contactors get their clients from referrals from other satisfied customers. If you see a contractor soliciting door-to-door, it’s probably a scam.
- Ask contractors to justify their bids by listing the work/materials that are included. This allows you to make valid comparisons between estimates.
- If you feel extremely pressured to make a decision because your contractor is pushing you to sign the agreement based on a “special deal” or “today only” offer, it may be in your best interest to decline the offer.
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