Do not use a contractor who:

• Do not use a contractor who is going door to door or who is calling because they are “in the neighborhood”. Often they are not “in the neighborhood.” Selecting a contractor on the basis of them coming to your door or via phone call is always a questionable selection method. Would you pick a doctor for surgery who comes to your door?
• Do not allow a contractor to “inspect” your property when you are not home. Take photos before, during and after an “inspection.” Some contractors have been known to cause damage intentionally during an inspection.
• Asks you to get any required building permits. The party pulling a building permit is responsible, among other things, to assure code compliance.
• Offers you a discount because they have “leftover materials.” This may be a signal that another consumer paid for the materials and the contractor failed to leave the materials or give proper credit, or that the materials may be stolen. You may find that you are the next one to be subjected to unethical practices.
• Only accepts cash. Please do not pay cash. If you do pay cash, be sure to get a clear written receipt.
• Claims you will get a great rate because you project will be a “demonstration.”
• Offers exceptionally long guarantees or warranties.
• Asks you to pay for the entire job up front.
• Tries to scare you into repairs claiming they are urgent.
• Asks you to “deed” or “transfer title” to your property or sign a promissory note secured by your home.
• Do not use a contractor who can start the job “tomorrow.” Consider that a good contractor is most likely a busy person and will often need to schedule your project along with his others. A bad contractor “can start the job tomorrow” because he may not have any other work.

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