Niagara Regional Police says choosing the right contractor can prevent you from becoming a victim of fraud.
As warmer weather approaches, Niagara Regional Police is offering some contractor hiring tips to residents looking to begin home improvement projects.
The NRP says it often receives complaints about contractors traveling door-to-door, selling unsolicited services.
In many cases, the contractor will provide quotes for services that appear to be better than the competition, and ask for a large cash down payment once a deal has been agreed upon.
Based on police complaint, while initial work may start, it's often sub-par and incomplete.
After the initial work is done, the customer is asked for more money to cover the cost of supplies or to complete payment for the project.
Once the final payment is received, the contractor is usually never heard from again.
The Niagara Regional Police Service offers the following tips to protect people from contractors conducting scams:
- Get recommendations from people you trust.
- Do your research online.
- Don’t be pressured to make a quick decision. Take a minute.
- Prior to initiating work ensure the contractor is insured.
- Get multiple written estimates.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
- Check references of past jobs.
- AVOID CASH DEALS.
- Be leery of unsolicited offers via the phone, or door to door.
Put it on Paper
- Work requested and agreed upon.
- Dates - Start, benchmarks, and finish.
- Exact Cost of the project.
- Payment Schedule - 10% Deposit at the start, final full amount upon satisfactory completion of agreed upon work.
- Acquire a receipt.
- Acquire a guarantee / warranty information.
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