Use caution when hiring a home improvement contractor.
Scams abound, especially following a major storm, flood, or other weather events when many homeowners are trying to repair their houses. But contractor scams can happen any time, so be wary of high-pressure sales tactics, upfront fees, and fly-by-night businesses.
Con artists will take homeowners’ money and deliver slipshod work, or no work at all. Some red flags to look out for include cash-only deals, high-pressure sales tactics, high upfront payments, handshake deals without a contract, and on-site inspections.
Not all “storm chasers” are con artists, but enough are that you should be cautious any time a home contractor contacts you first…especially after a natural disaster.
