Home & Family: Home Improvement
4 Warning Signs of a Crooked Contractor
I hate to say it, but not all contractors are honest.
We’re not all crooks. But there are people out there who will overcharge you and give you garbage. Others aren’t dishonest, just incompetent -- they couldn’t build a birdhouse if you put a gun to their head, let alone a bathroom.
Wouldn’t it be great if all dishonest, incompetent contractors were terrible at selling themselves? That way, when you talked to them over the phone or had them present their project idea in your home, you could separate the good from the bad right away.
Yeah, and Id like to win the lottery while were dreaming. Lets talk practicalities.
Here are 4 of the 8 signs in my book Home Contractor Secrets Revealed that will warn you away from a crooked contractor. If you see any or all of these signs, you have trouble on your hands. Cut the interview short and walk away.
If remodeling is a war, then scam artists are the vultures that circle the battlefield looking for easy prey. A scam artist doesn't want to work. He wants money for nothing. But a scam artist can't fool you if you do your homework. If you want more information on how spot a crooked contractor before you give him any money and learn other ways to save thousands of dollars on your remodeling project, go to www.HomeContractorSecrets.com.
4 Warning Signs of a Crooked Contractor
I hate to say it, but not all contractors are honest.
We’re not all crooks. But there are people out there who will overcharge you and give you garbage. Others aren’t dishonest, just incompetent -- they couldn’t build a birdhouse if you put a gun to their head, let alone a bathroom.
Wouldn’t it be great if all dishonest, incompetent contractors were terrible at selling themselves? That way, when you talked to them over the phone or had them present their project idea in your home, you could separate the good from the bad right away.
Yeah, and Id like to win the lottery while were dreaming. Lets talk practicalities.
Here are 4 of the 8 signs in my book Home Contractor Secrets Revealed that will warn you away from a crooked contractor. If you see any or all of these signs, you have trouble on your hands. Cut the interview short and walk away.
1) The contractor makes a cold-call to your house. A cold call means he calls you out of the blue. He doesn't know anyone you know, and no one recommended him.
If a contractor is making cold calls, it's because none of his other clients will recommend him or give him referrals. Do not work with this kind of contractor.
There are a few exceptions to this. Some good contractors are aggressive in trying to grow their businesses, but they're rare. Another situation that I can think of is if your neighbor is remodeling their home and a worker might come by and give you a flyer. In this situation you can go see the remodeling for yourself. You can ask your neighbor about the quality of the work. In this situation the worker isn't trying to sell you anything. If you like what you see, you can give the company a call.
2) The contractor tries to pressure you into making an immediate decision. An honest contractor knows you need time to think it over. Crooked contractors will tell you that their price is a discount that is good only if you accept it by the end of the day.
They are trying to stop you from getting any other bids. 90% of the time, their discount price is more expensive than everyone elses regular quote. Run, do not walk, away from these deals.
3) The contractor offers discounts or finders fees for finding other customers. Good contractors rely on referrals and word of mouth to get their business. Good contractors don't have to bribe you to make you work with them.
4) The contractor wants you to get all the building permits. This could be a sign that the contractor is not licensed and is trying to avoid getting caught. This is not always the case, but be aware.
If a contractor is making cold calls, it's because none of his other clients will recommend him or give him referrals. Do not work with this kind of contractor.
There are a few exceptions to this. Some good contractors are aggressive in trying to grow their businesses, but they're rare. Another situation that I can think of is if your neighbor is remodeling their home and a worker might come by and give you a flyer. In this situation you can go see the remodeling for yourself. You can ask your neighbor about the quality of the work. In this situation the worker isn't trying to sell you anything. If you like what you see, you can give the company a call.
2) The contractor tries to pressure you into making an immediate decision. An honest contractor knows you need time to think it over. Crooked contractors will tell you that their price is a discount that is good only if you accept it by the end of the day.
They are trying to stop you from getting any other bids. 90% of the time, their discount price is more expensive than everyone elses regular quote. Run, do not walk, away from these deals.
3) The contractor offers discounts or finders fees for finding other customers. Good contractors rely on referrals and word of mouth to get their business. Good contractors don't have to bribe you to make you work with them.
4) The contractor wants you to get all the building permits. This could be a sign that the contractor is not licensed and is trying to avoid getting caught. This is not always the case, but be aware.
If remodeling is a war, then scam artists are the vultures that circle the battlefield looking for easy prey. A scam artist doesn't want to work. He wants money for nothing. But a scam artist can't fool you if you do your homework. If you want more information on how spot a crooked contractor before you give him any money and learn other ways to save thousands of dollars on your remodeling project, go to www.HomeContractorSecrets.com.
Matthew Miglin
is a 20 year third generation builder and remodeler helping families
save thousands each year and teaching them how to prosper.