Beware of on-the-spot contract work
When a home improvement contractor offers you a good deal on a project, you want to believe he's on the up and up.
But that's not the case with traveling contractors who target local neighborhoods and offer to pave driveways.
The paving scam is a classic summer home-improvement ripoff.
The scammers pull up, usually in an unmarked truck, and claim they've just finished a job down the street and have leftover asphalt material.
They offer you a cheap deal because they want to use what's left.
But instead of getting a professional job, you get shoddy prep work, no weed control, an uneven surface and an outrageous bill.
Warnings are being issued across the country, as consumers report being taken by what appear to organized teams, often traveling from out of state.
So be wary of any unsolicited offer from someone who just happens to be in the neighborhood.
Another tip-off - the promise of a big discount, if you agree to the job on the spot. But they don't give written estimates - that's another red flag. And they're anxious to make the deal "right now"- they often pressure you to make a decision.
Before you hire any contractor, get referrals from people you know.
Get the company's full information - business address, phone number and contractor's registration number.
Call the state Department of Labor and Industries and confirm their registration, but don't stop there. Go on line and check their work history. You'll often find Web sites or other information about complaints or recommendations.
Always get a detailed, written estimate with the exact work to be done and the price.
Take time to get bids and ask to see examples of other work performed in your community. Be very wary of a bid that is significantly lower than the others, and never agree to any contractor's offer under pressure.
But that's not the case with traveling contractors who target local neighborhoods and offer to pave driveways.
The paving scam is a classic summer home-improvement ripoff.
The scammers pull up, usually in an unmarked truck, and claim they've just finished a job down the street and have leftover asphalt material.
They offer you a cheap deal because they want to use what's left.
But instead of getting a professional job, you get shoddy prep work, no weed control, an uneven surface and an outrageous bill.
Warnings are being issued across the country, as consumers report being taken by what appear to organized teams, often traveling from out of state.
So be wary of any unsolicited offer from someone who just happens to be in the neighborhood.
Another tip-off - the promise of a big discount, if you agree to the job on the spot. But they don't give written estimates - that's another red flag. And they're anxious to make the deal "right now"- they often pressure you to make a decision.
Before you hire any contractor, get referrals from people you know.
Get the company's full information - business address, phone number and contractor's registration number.
Call the state Department of Labor and Industries and confirm their registration, but don't stop there. Go on line and check their work history. You'll often find Web sites or other information about complaints or recommendations.
Always get a detailed, written estimate with the exact work to be done and the price.
Take time to get bids and ask to see examples of other work performed in your community. Be very wary of a bid that is significantly lower than the others, and never agree to any contractor's offer under pressure.
