Pictures of chickens, flowers, wheat, a boy looking through a magnifying glass, irrigation pipe, soybean pods, and fruits and vegetables.

Cooperative Extension Service

Search | Publications | Jobs | Personnel Directory | Links
County Offices | Departments

About Us

Find Us

For the Media

Agriculture

Business & Communities

Families & Consumers

Early Childhood
      Professional Development
Emergency Preparedness
Expanded Food &
      Nutrition Program
Family Life
Food Stamp
      Nutrition Education
Money
Volunteer Organizations

Links
Newsletters

Health & Nutrition

Home & Garden

Natural Resources

4-H Youth Development

Public Policy Center

For Faculty & Staff

Giving

Dale Bumpers College
of Agricultural, Food &
Life Sciences

Division Home

Agricultural Experiment
      Station Home

Cooperative Extension
      Service Home

Home Improvement Fraud

If a door-to-door salesman tells you he can install siding on your home for less that $1000, he may not be lying. He is, however, probably planning to use cardboard. Don't laugh. When it comes to home improvement fraud, anything is possible.

Each spring, just as the flowers begin to pop up out of the ground, home improvement scam artists start to spring up in your neighborhood with promises to fix everything from a leaky roof to a cracked driveway.

Homeowners, anxious to spruce up their home, often fall victim to unscrupulous sellers. How can you as a consumer be sure you're getting your money's worth when you hire someone to fix up your home?

Learn to recognize the signs of fraud and follow this advice if you're in the market for home improvement.

Never hire someone on the spot. Always obtain at least three estimates and compare prices. Don't assume that the lowest price is the best deal. A good reputation is also valuable; therefore, ask potential contractors to provide you with references. Check reference to determine if others have been pleased with past work performance.

To get the job done right, know what you want before talking to a contractor. When you make a decision to hire someone, ask for a detailed description of the work to be done, the materials used, starting and completion dates, the total cost, and payment schedule. Never pay the full amount of a contract in advance. Arrange to pay for the work in installments as the job is being completed. Make the last payment after the work has been done according to the contract and to your satisfaction.

Make sure the person you hire has liability insurance. Ask to see a copy of their workmen's compensation policy. You could be liable if a worker is injured on your property; therefore it's a good idea to check your homeowner's policy or call your insurance agent to determine the extent of your liability coverage.

It's risky to hire someone on a "cost-plus" or "time and materials" basis. Decide on the total cost from the beginning; otherwise the contractor may have little incentive for completing the job in an economical or timely fashion.

Steer clear of companies or salespeople who try to pressure you into signing a contract, with scare tactics or threats like "this price is available only if you sign today." In addition, contractors who use a post office box with no street address or telephone number or who will not give you references, should not be considered.

If you do become a victim of a home improvement scheme, don't be embarrassed. Report your circumstances to the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General's Office. They attempt to apprehend swindlers and help to right wrong.

Back to Consumer Protection