Fall Home Improvement Tips and Scams to Watch Out For

It’s officially fall, which means now is the time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. This time of year, many popular home improvement services range from heating to roofing contractors, but it’s important to do your research on a business to avoid falling victim to a scam.

BBB warns homeowners to be aware of common fall home improvement scams that may be circulating in your neighborhood.

Heating Contractors:

Before doing business with a heating contractor, find out what model system you own and its maintenance history. Make sure to check that the contractor’s licensing and insurance meets your state’s requirements. Don’t forget to ask family members and friends for recommendations and check out reliable heating contractors at bbb.org. Be cautious of any heating contractors that solicit work door-to-door or claim they’re offering a special deal for working nearby, this is always a red flag.

Roofing Contractors:

A roofing project requires a skilled and qualified contractor, so it’s important to thoroughly research roofing contractors. Be sure to get at least three estimates for the job and don’t feel pressured to hire the contractor with the lowest offer; the lowest offer will not always be the best. When getting an estimate, make sure the roofer does a thorough inspection rather than a quick estimate from the ground. Be sure to ask for proof of insurance, any required licenses and necessary permits. Be wary of any roofing contractors that solicit work door-to-door or offer low prices because they have left over materials from a previous job, this is a red flag.

Oil Contractors:

Oil is a necessity for many homeowners, making it important to find a reliable oil supplier that can both service your equipment and provide quality oil. Ask friends, family, and neighbors you trust to recommend affordable oil suppliers they may use. Contact multiple oil businesses to find the best offer and service plan for your needs. Be sure to research financing programs through oil suppliers, as there are multiple ways to pay for your service and oil. Understand the details of each program before signing any contracts. Finally, be cautious of any supplier that goes door-to-door offering very low prices for oil as pricing is determined by crude oil prices.

Chimney Contractors:

If you often cozy up by your fireplace or wood stove, it’s important to have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually to ensure safety. A reputable chimney sweep will be able to clean and detect any dangerous problems within the chimney. Be sure to request multiple estimates from different chimney sweeps to compare the cost of the job that is needed. Check the credentials and find out if the contractor is certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and can provide proof. Ignore chimney sweeping businesses that solicit by phone or door-to-door and claim they were just “in the neighborhood.” These scammers promise an extremely low price for a chimney cleaning, but once they start working they will “discover” an urgent repair. Scammers will take your money and leave the job unfinished or worse than it was before.

As with any home improvement service, it’s important to do your research before hiring a contractor. Many scammers claim to be legitimate contractors, but aren’t the roofing or heating contractor they claim to be. Although the scammers are out there, there are still many reputable home improvement contractors that will get the job done on time and within budget. To find a reliable contractor you can trust, check out theBBB Accredited Business Directory today.

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