Don’t Get Hit with a Home Repair Scam!

Home repair scams top the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office and Better Business Bureau’s list of frauds and scams in New Hampshire. These scams become regular when the snow melts and homeowners' minds turn to improvement projects and spring clean-up.

A few clues to stop potential trouble: watch out for contractors with out-of-state plates, those that drive house to house offering unsolicited services, or those who ask for cash up front. Be cautious about financing offered by the contractor and remember your legal rights. You can cancel the home repair contract by sending a letter within three business days.

Home repair projects are usually done well, but every year there are homeowners in New Hampshire who are victims of poor, overpriced, or never completed work. If you are planning to make repairs this year, make sure your repair is a job well done.

Define the Job: Before selecting anyone to do work in your home, carefully evaluate what you want done. Find out as much as you can about the materials needed to complete the project. If you plan to have a room painted, visit a local paint shop and assess the products and quality of the materials. The more you know about the materials, the better prepared you are to onboard a contractor.

Get Recommendations: Beware of anyone who comes to your door, uninvited, offering you a service. The salesperson will most likely take your money and disappear, or do such a sloppy job you wish they never appeared. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors. A trusted source that had a positive experience makes for a great recommendation!

Make Comparisons: Call your list of contractors and find out if they do the type of work you’re looking for. Make sure they can finish in your time frame and ask questions like how long they have been in business. If you want more information about potential contractors, call the local and state resources listed below. They can alert you if complaints were filed against the contractor or their company.

Zero In: It is always smart to arrange a face-to-face meeting with potential contractors. You can talk about your job, the specifications, and your budget. Ask for written estimates that give details about materials, labor, and start and finish dates.

Take the time to get a second opinion before signing any contract. Remember, any genuine good deal will still be there tomorrow.

Resources:
Your Local Police Department 

NH Attorney General’s Office 603-271-3658

NH Consumer Protection & Antitrust Bureau 603-271-3641

NH Better Business Bureau 603-224-1991

Federal Trade Commission, Northeast Region 1-877-382-4357