Protect Yourself

• Be wary of companies that sell repairs door to door. Just because a salesperson shows up at your door and claims you need a repair doesn’t mean it's true or that the company is real.
• Avoid leftover materials scams. In this common scam, a contractor shows up at your door claiming that he can give you a good deal on a home repair because he's got leftover materials from a cancelled job nearby. The result will be shoddy work, for example, the new bargain "black top" is actually an oil mix that will wash off the driveway in the first rain.
• Check out contractors before you hire one. Sites that connect home owners with home improvements contractors and handymen rarely vet the contractors they list. Most will say you're on your own if a problem occurs. Always do your own research before you sign a contract.
• Avoid paying for home repairs in advance. Scam contractors charge all or most of the money for work in advance and then do shoddy work, if they do any work at all. If you must make a down payment, negotiate the smallest down payment possible and pay the bulk when the job is done to your satisfaction.
• Avoid handshake deals. Make sure you get a detailed quote or written contract before you do anything. Always get receipts for payments.
• Don't rush into home repairs. Take time to figure out what repairs you need and to find a good contractor to do them. Reputable contractors are often booked and unable to start jobs immediately. Gather quotes from a few contractors and choose the best option.