How to Spot Common Home Improvement Scams

Home improvement scams tend to follow familiar patterns. Recognising the warning signs makes it much easier to protect yourself and your money.

Warning signs to watch for

• Unsolicited visits after a storm. Someone knocks on the door saying they noticed damage and can start today.
• Pressure to decide immediately. Offers that are "only good today" leave you no time to check credentials or compare quotes.
• Large upfront payments. Requests for most or all of the money before work begins, or for cash only.
• No written agreement. Reluctance to put the scope, price and timeline in writing.
• Offers involving your insurance. Promises to cover your deductible, or requests to sign over your insurance payment.
• Leftover materials. Claims that materials are left over from another job, so they can give you a special price.
• Asking you to get the permits. The business doing the work should normally handle any permits.

How to protect yourself

• Check the licence and insurance of anyone you are considering hiring.
• Get more than one quote.
• Insist on a written agreement that covers the scope, price, timeline and warranty.
• Pay by a method that leaves a record, and tie payments to progress.
• Take your time. A reputable business will understand that you want to check before deciding.

If something seems wrong

If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, you can report it to your state attorney general's consumer protection office or to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.