Buyer Beware
Most contractors are honest professionals, committed to providing you with quality products and services. However, as in any buying situation, it’s your job to avoid the unscrupulous few. Here’s what the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) warns are some of the dangers of fraud*:
- Fantastic promises or wild deals
- High pressure sales tactics or threats to push you into signing up on the spot
- Attempts to scare you into signing for "urgent" repairs
- Offers to consolidate your existing loans through a home improvement contractor
- Trial purchases, or guarantees of significant discounts, if you allow your home to be used as a "demo"
- Offers of a “bargain” price using "leftover materials" from a contractor who makes unsolicited phone calls or visits to your home.
*"Fixing Up Your Home and How to Finance It", U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
