Here are some basic tips on how you can avoid Home Builder Scams and Home Builder Rips Offs provided by Fieldstone Family Homes. Fieldstone Family Homes scam guide can save you from becoming a victim.
*Verify the home builder’s name, address and phone number. Be wary of homebuilders who give you pager numbers rather than a land line phone numbers, or post office boxes rather than street addresses. Legitimate contractors present themselves in a professional manner. Be cautious of anyone who cannot produce identification. They could be a builder or contractor scam just working in your area then they will move to the next town with new victims.
*Request references on similar work performed by the home builder. Ask to see a job in progress, and ask for the name and number of a customer who had work done over a year ago. Legitimate contractors are happy to name satisfied customers. Typically, it is with the customer’s permission that his or her name can be used to recommend work to others.
*Obtain two or three bids. When comparing estimates, be sure each one is based upon the same set of plans, specifications, and scope of work. When making a bid for your business, legitimate contractors do not scribble on scraps of paper or offer verbal quotes. They provide detailed written quotes. The exception to this might be a quote given in answer to a casual inquiry or for a very small, basic repair for which there is a standard rate.
*Requests for an up front payment before work begins is a warning signs in some cases. Many people pay up front for work and then never see the contractor again. You should pay in advance of work only when it is a large job, you have already properly screened the contractor, and you have a proper contract. When you are presented with a formal contract and everything checks out then paying up to 50% to get the job started is not a warning sign. Many contractors do need cash to buy materials and other items for the job.
*Check with professional associations and licensing boards to see if the home builder is listed and has a good standing.
*Refusal to provide a written guarantee. No matter how sincere the assurance might sound, never accept a verbal guarantee. If anything really goes wrong, you’ll quickly find out how worthless words can be. Legitimate contractors provide written guarantees that specify what is covered and for how long.
Fieldstone Family Homes Scam Guide is the first part in a series of articles geared toward protecting homeowners from contractor and builder fraud.