Renovation scams are unfortunately more common than most homeowners realize It often starts with a smooth talker offering a great deal and promising to get the job done quickly The red flags usually appear later when work stalls materials are cheap or payments disappear without progress
One of the clearest warning signs is a contractor who demands full payment upfront While deposits are normal any request for the entire budget before work begins should set off alarms Another sign is a lack of paperwork Legitimate contractors provide written contracts licenses and insurance proof If they avoid putting things in writing it usually means they do not plan on being held accountable
Scams also show up in pricing If the estimate seems too good to be true it probably is Low bids are often used to secure the job only for costs to pile up with endless add ons A good rule is to get at least three quotes and compare them If one is far below the others it is worth questioning why
Homeowners should also research reviews and ask for references Even one quick call to a past client can give you peace of mind A scammer will usually dodge these requests or provide vague answers
Final thought the best defense against contractor scams is being cautious upfront A little homework before you hire can save thousands of dollars and a lot of stress
