Renovations can be exciting but they also attract scammers who look for ways to take advantage of homeowners. Knowing the red flags can save you thousands and a lot of stress.
One common trick is the lowball estimate. A contractor gives you a price that seems too good to be true then halfway through the project they pile on unexpected costs. By the time you realize what is happening you are locked in. Another scam is demanding full payment upfront. Legit trades usually ask for a deposit and then progress payments not the whole sum before any work starts.
There are also fake contractors who use borrowed licenses or no license at all. They often disappear after starting a job leaving behind unfinished work and a mess to clean up. Checking references business registration and insurance coverage is an easy way to avoid this.
Even material scams are common. Some shady operators promise high quality finishes but substitute them with cheap products once the work begins hoping homeowners will not notice.
Final thought scams in renovations are real but with due diligence and clear contracts you can protect yourself and make sure your project goes smoothly
