Do your homework to avoid a home improvement scam

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – A household advancement job can rapidly flip into a scam.

The Better Business enterprise Bureau is urging property owners to be cautious of scammers posing as reputable contractors.

Tiffany Bernhardt Schultz, with the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau, states you should really do your research prior to shaking hands with a contractor.

She states much more cons are on the rise as a lot more persons have seemed to strengthen their residence throughout the pandemic and con artists are seeking to get benefit.

“They prey on your feelings. They prey on your wants and they definitely want you to feel them that they are a authentic contractor and can do the operate for you at a significantly decrease selling price or a considerably quicker time period,” said Schultz.

A person significant purple-flag is when a estimate is substantially decreased than other kinds you’ve been given.

“Con artists are truly excellent at giving you a lowball give, but once they go forward and commence the perform there’s a million factors that arrive up.” mentioned Schultz. “Then, they go forward and threaten to walk off your work if you really do not fork out up. So you want to be watchful.”

One way to come across vetted companies is to get suggestions from pals and spouse and children.

“You really should often test references,” she explained. “Check both of those previous and current references. Contact them check with about the good quality the work and the timeliness of the function.”

After you have a contractor, Schultz says to make confident you have signed and reviewed the deal.

“You want to preserve these files nicely right after the job is completed,” claimed Schultz. “Always hold that documentation so that you can refer back again to it. Set these in a put the place you can access them effortlessly.”

To report a fraud or overview a listing of BBB accredited businesses, simply click In this article.

Copyright 2022 WMTV. All rights reserved.