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Be Careful When Hiring for Urgent Home Repairs
Monday, July 25, 2016
Before you hire a business to complete any urgent home repairs, make sure to take the following steps to protect yourself from fraud:
- Do your research: Ask your friends or family members for recommendations of local home repair businesses. Ask to see the business’ credentials beforehand to confirm that they are reputable. You can also refer to the Consumer Beware List to see if the business has any recent charges, convictions, orders, or complaints against them.
- Get several quotes: You should get at least 3 different estimates to compare the price range. There might be something wrong if one is significantly cheaper than the rest.
- Take your time: Before agreeing to any contractor, consult your home insurance and claims adjuster. After hiring a business, do not pay the full amount up-front. If you can, pay a 10 percent deposit and the rest in installments or after the work is complete.
Get a written contract: You should get a written contract with the business and avoid cash deals. A contract can protect you in case the business takes your money and doesn't complete the job.
You can learn more about your consumer rights in A Newcomer’s Introduction to Consumer Protection.