How to Avoid Home Repair Scams

Every homeowner needs some type of minor or major repair jobs around the house from time to time. Fortunately, there are people who make a living handling home repair tasks ranging from installing new doorknobs to major renovations. However, not everyone who claims to be a home repair specialist actually has the skills or the motivation to do the job right. If you want to outsource home repairs to someone that will do a professional job for a reasonable charge, here are some ideas on what to look for.

Verifying that the service provider is bonded and insured is extremely important. Fly by night scam operators usually don't go through the trouble and expense to protect themselves and their customers in this manner. Take this as a sign that the repair professional plans on being in business for a long time, and will still be around if something untoward emerges a month or two after the repairs are made.

Check with your local municipality regarding licensing laws that pertain to contractors and others who offer home repair services. In the United States, it is not unusual for anyone who solicits jobs that are likely to run over $10,000.00 USD must have a contractor's license. However, some jurisdictions require painters, cabinetmakers, and carpet installers to also have a license to operate. Once you know what type of license is required to perform the home repair tasks you have in mind, only deal with businesses and individuals that have the right credentials.

Ask for an estimate in writing. Honest home repair professionals have no problem providing this type of documentation and in fact are highly likely to proactively offer the written estimate. If there is any hesitation on this front, thank the individual for his or her time and move on to the next service provider on your list.

While it is customary to pay a percentage of the projected final cost before the work actually commences, keep that amount to no more than one-fourth of the grand total. The remainder is due once the job is completed and you are happy with the results. If this type of arrangement is a problem, then you know that particular provider is not for you.

Contact information is very important. At a minimum, you want at least one landline telephone number and a physical address. Take the time to verify both are valid. Many providers also offer mobile phone numbers or pagers in addition to landlines and physical addresses. A post office box is fine as long as you still have the physical location of the business.

Don't forget references. Ethical home repair professionals are happy to provide these for you. Once you have them in hand, follow up with each one. Get information like how easy it was to work with the provider, satisfaction with the quality and timeliness of the work, and if the customer would hire the provider for future projects. If anything you hear strikes you as being too good to be true or causes any type of unease, look for another provider.

Should you find later that the work was not done according to your specifications or the agreement is not honored in any manner, contact the provider and attempt to settle the matter amicably. If that is not possible for any reason, don't hesitate to contact local consumer protection agencies and watchdog groups. In the long run, you will do the community a great service.