BBB Warns of Home Improvement Scams

Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern MA, ME, RI & VT (BBB) is warning homeowners of spring home improvement scams that will be popping up in the next few months. Homeowners who are planning to use their tax refunds to cover the costs of home remodeling projects are advised to be on the lookout for scams.

Spring is a popular time for home improvement projects as many homeowners are receiving their tax refunds and beginning maintenance for both inside and outside homes. Over the last month, general contractors have been searched over 10,112 times making the industry one of the most inquired about.

“Spring is a busy season for home improvement projects,” said Paula Fleming, spokesperson for the local BBB. “Unfortunately, it also becomes a high season for home improvement scams.”

BBB advises homeowners to be wary of contractors who promise work at discounted prices or are going door-to-door claiming they’re doing work in the neighborhood.

“Before hiring a contractor on the spot, be sure to do your research and check out a business at bbb.org,” said Fleming. “There are many local contractors that will deliver quality work on time and within budget.”

Before hiring a home improvement business, BBB recommends the following tips:

• Check Out a Business. Be sure to check out any business before hiring. Here you can view BBB Business Reviews, read complaints and reviews, and find out more information. To find a reputable contractor, check out BBB’s Accredited Business Directory.
• Get Multiple Estimates. Before accepting an estimate, get at least three bids or quotes in writing. Don’t feel pressured to go with the lowest bid, as it might reflect the quality of materials.
• Ask for References. Ask for at least two or three references from the business’s last few jobs and ask questions about the quality of work, if it was within budget and on time, and to the customer’s satisfaction.
• Check Out Licenses. Be sure to check if the business is properly licensed in your state, if applicable. It’s also important that any business you hire is properly insured if working on your home.
• Get Everything in Writing. Do not sign a contract until you have read through it entirely. If you made verbal agreements, they should be included in the written contract. Any deposit or payment plans should be included, as well as, any warranties or guarantees.

For more information you can trust, visit us at bbb.org/boston, on our blog or like us on Facebook.

ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses and brands they can trust. In 2015, consumers turned to BBB more than 161 million times for BBB Business Reviews on more than 5.3 million businesses, all available for free at bbb.org. BBB Serving Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont, founded in 1912, is one of 113 local, independent BBBs across North America.

Paula Fleming is VP of Communications & Marketing for Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern MA, ME, RI & VT.Find Paula on Google+.