Protect From Unscrupulous Contractors

Unscrupulous Contractors-How To Protect From Them

If you intend to fix your house, and you want to use the services of a contractor, then choose a contractor who can be trusted. Here I found an interesting question and answer, which can make our lessons:

Q: I don't want to say where I dwell, because it's simply too embarrassing. I am hoping you possibly can tell others to be extra careful. My house was broken by one of the tornadoes in the Midwest. In desperation, I gave a contractor a down fee to repair my roof earlier than the subsequent rain. Mentioned he wanted the money to purchase the materials. Long story brief, he never confirmed up and the money is as good as gone. Please let your readers know.

A: It's best to contact the authorities and file a claim. Whoever did this to you remains to be out there free to do it once more and again. Over the years, I've warned readers to by no means, underneath any circumstances, pay up entrance to a contractor or salesman you did not contact your self, or haven't had the time to examine out. Test with local suppliers, verify the contractor's references and examine with the Higher Enterprise Bureau. There are unscrupulous people who will rob you - not with a weapon, however with guile.

Greater than 20 years ago, my hometown was hit with hurricane-power winds that severely broken tons of of houses and businesses and basically shut down major services for a number of days.

A number of years later, I used to be inspecting a home that was being bought by an aged widow who had had a new roof put in due to the storm. When I climbed onto the roof, I found the roofers had covered the entrance of the home only - simply these areas that might be seen from the street. The backside of the roof was never replaced and was so worn it was onerous to tell it had ever been a shingled roof.

Because of situations like this, and many extra, roofers in this county now must be licensed by the city. In most cases, roofers and different contractors are hardworking, honest business individuals who want to assist, but in emergency conditions they simply cannot do all the work required. That is when the "out-of-towners" show up and sometimes benefit from homeowners.

Here's what I might suggest: If your roof is broken and you might be approached by an unsolicited contractor, ask the roofer to cowl the damaged space with a tarp and pay for that service only.

That gives you time to get competitive bids. If they are not keen to help, then send them on their way. A carpenter would possibly quickly cowl a gap in a wall with plywood or a plumber will shut off the principle water if there's a leak. It's better to pay a premium for a brief repair than to provide a big amount of money to someone for a job that is by no means completed.

Hope this "How To Protect From Unscrupulous Contractors" Article is useful for you

Dwight Barnett is a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors. Write to him with home improvement questions at d.Barnett@insightbb.com.

Source :
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/homegarden/2015772134_homefix30.html