FROM: HOLLEY
CARNRIGHT
DATE: APRIL 6, 2015
RE: AVOIDING HOME
IMPROVEMENT SCAMS
Spring is finally
here and many homeowners will be embarking on home improvement projects. The
Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs offers these
warning signs that a home improvement contractor may not be reputable:
·
The
contractor is hesitant to provide a written contract (or will not put verbal
promises in writing).
·
The
contract does not have the name, address or telephone number of the contractor.
·
The
contractor is located out of county or out of state.
·
The
contractor shows up uninvited and offers to seal your driveway, repair your
roof or cut down a tree.
·
The
consumer is asked to pay for the entire job in advance, or to pay in cash.
·
The contractor
uses high pressure sales tactics, stating a special price is “only available
today”.
·
The
contractor is hesitant to furnish references.
·
The
contractor has many judgments against him (judgments are filed with the County
Clerk).
·
The
contractor has unresolved consumer complaints on file with Consumer Affairs.
Doing some homework
prior to hiring a contractor can save lots of time and money. Ulster County
Consumer Affairs can be reached at 340-3260.
