7 Common Contractor Scams | Salt Lake City Cosntruction Company

7 Common Contractor Scams | Salt Lake City Cosntruction Company

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7 Common Contractor Scams We Promise Not to Pull

Scam #1: Up-front payment
This job requires a lot of materials, so Ill need payment now.

Contractors requiring payment prior to work being accomplished is generally a red flag. People have paid for work up front-only to never see the contractor again. The only time it is advisable to pay a contractor in advance is when you have properly screened the contractor (verified licensing, insurance, and references), signed a suitable contract, and the job is sufficiently large. Even then, you should only be required to pay a percentage of the total amount- typically around 30%.

Scam #2: Pressure tactics
Well need you to sign up now. The manufacturers prices are about to go up.

A contractor urging an immediate decision is a method in which to deter you from shopping around or having time to realize the deal theyve offered is not all that great. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A good, legitimate contractor will offer a quote that remains valid for 30 days and will not pressure you into an immediate decision.

Scam 3: Refusal to provide referrals
Giving out customer names and contact information would be a violation of their privacy. You understand, dont you?

Legitimate contractors are more than happy to offer the names of satisfied customers, and they have obtained the consent of the customer to use them as a referral. Avoid contractors that refuse to provide references.

Scam #4: Refusal to provide a written guarantee
You have me word, if anything goes wrong, just give me a call.

Never accept a verbal guarantee, regardless of how trustworthy and sincere the contractor may seem. Legitimate contractors provide written guarantees with warranty information pertaining to how long and what work is covered. If anything goes wrong, youll quickly find out how worthless a verbal guarantee is.

Scam #5: I Only Accept Cash

A legitimate contractor accepts payment forms other than cash. If a contractor offers a sizeable discount for paying in cash, especially before the job has started, theres a good chance you will get ripped off. If cash is your payment form of choice, just be sure you have a proper contract and receive invoices and/or receipts for your payment.

Scam #6: Padding the Bill
Dont worry about that shrub. Ill pull it out of the way.

Assumed favors such as this will amount to expensive add-on charges. A proper contract should detail the full scope of work the contractor is providing for you and the charges associated with such. Do not give a contractor the opportunity to add to the bill or up-sell you. If it becomes apparent a job requires additional time, material, work, etc., talk with your contractor to revise the contract to encompass the additional charges.

Scam #7: Hiring Extra Hands
In order to accomplish the job on time, Im going to have to hire a few extra tradesmen.

Some jobs will wind up being larger than originally predicted and may require extra help to accomplish some or all of it. However, be certain to confirm with the contractor that you will not be charged for the additional manpower. If the contractor is charging you, ensure you receive a revised estimate/contract, documenting the per-hour or per-man fee added.

About the Author:
http://constructionsaltlakecity.com Salt Lake City Construction Company is a full-service residential and commercial construction firm serving the Salt Lake City, Utah area.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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