Home Improvement Scams: Prince William County Alerted

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA—Beware of door-to-door "contractors" declaring your home needs a home-improvement fix. That's the word from Prince William County Police, who point out that all those who offer their services are not always on the up and up.

Toward that end, they've put together a list of things that always should be on your radar. According to the Better Business Bureau, there were nearly 350 home improvement scams reported to the group in 2017 with a total financial loss of more than $600,000.

Residents are advised to note the following red flags:

• Unsolicited door-to-door salespeople offer to do home repair work for substantially less than market

• A contractor comes to your door unsolicited and offers reduced prices because they’ve just completed

work nearby and have materials left over.

• A contractor asks you to pay for the entire job up front.
• A company, listing only a telephone or post-office box number, solicits for repair work.
• A contractor refuses to provide proof of insurance and references when requested.

What to do?

* Work with a licensed contractor. The best way to select one is to seek personal recommendations
through friends, neighbors or relatives. Verify the contractor is properly licensed, and do your research
if there are unresolved consumer complaints on file with the Better Business Bureau.

* Get written estimates from at least three firms. Ask for explanations for price variations. Don’t
automatically choose the lowest bidder.

* On any home improvement job, you should expect to make a down payment, but try to limit it to no
more than 30% of the total price. Pay only by check or credit card, not cash.

* Do not sign a contract that has blank spaces, or is one that you do not understand.

* Find out whether the contractor guarantees his or her work and products.

* Don’t make final payment until the work is 100% complete and you are satisfied.

* Call the police if they begin “working” without your consent.

* Call the police (703-792-6500) if you have questions, or if unfamiliar people or companies appear at your door or in your neighborhood.

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