Avoid Remodeling Ripoff

After you buy your new home, you may want to further invest in it by completing some remodeling projects to increase the value. If the projects are extensive enough, you may decide to hire a professional to do the work. When hiring someone to work on your home, it is important that you make your selection carefully and choose someone whom you know is reliable.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, there are some telltale signs for spotting an unreliable contractor. A less than reputable professional will probably do things such as:

• Ask for payment only in cash
• Pressure you into making an immediate decision
• Ask you to pay un full for work that has not been done
• Offer exceptionally long guarantees
• Use materials that "Just happen to be leftover"
• Ask you to obtain the required work permits
• Not have a business listing in the phonebook
• Suggest that you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows, which could make you the target of a home improvement loan scam.