How to Avoid Shady Home Improvement Contractors

Journalists have been saying for decades, and perhaps even for centuries, that people in industrialized societies are suffering from a crisis of meaningful work.  Home improvement contractors do not have this problem.  Anyone who can repair drywall, fix a leaky faucet, or correct faulty electrical wiring gets a hero’s welcome from everyone except DIY enthusiasts.  They can see the results of their work in the well maintained, functioning houses they fix up and in their pocketbooks.  It’s no wonder that the occupations of electricians, plumbers, and construction workers are such popular career choices for the young generation.  Of course, home improvement contractors are subject to legal regulations, as the practitioners of most occupations are, and contractors who cut corners with legal requirements are more likely to do sloppy work or be dishonest in their dealings with clients.  If you found out too late that the home improvement contractor who worked on your house was bending the rules, contact a Philadelphia home contractor fraud lawyer.

Know Your County’s Rules About Licensing for Contractors

At the state level, Pennsylvania does not require a license for general construction contractors.  It does, however, require them to register with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office.  Contractors who remove asbestos or install manufactured housing must carry licenses to engage in these activities.  Counties and cities may make their own laws about licensing requirements for home contractors.  Before you hire a contractor, see what licenses your jurisdiction requires, and if applicable, ask the contractor to show you their license before you hire them.

Get Several Estimates From Contractors Before You Choose One

Especially if you are new to homeownership, the best way to tell whether a contracting company is reputable is to compare it to other contractors.  The way to find out whether it is normal for someone to act as a one-man operation when doing the type of project you have requested is to see whether other companies assign just one person to the project.  Likewise, you should consult multiple companies to see if their prices are competitive.  Ask for itemized estimates to find out why the contractors are charging the amounts they are charging.  With prices or anything else, beware of outliers.

Beware of Contractors Who Are in Too Much of a Hurry to Do the Work and Get Paid

When you call a contractor to inquire about a project, “I will come over right away” is not the response you want, unless it is an emergency repair, such as a pipe bursting in your house.  Most contractors plan their schedules weeks in advance, so it should be a few days, or even a few weeks, before a contractor has a chance to look at your property and give you an estimate.  Likewise, don’t fall for it if contractors tell you that they only accept payment in cash, even if they give you excuses about how they can get you a better price by insisting on cash payment.

Contact CONSUMERLAWPA.com About Recovering From Home Improvement Fraud

A Philadelphia consumer law attorney can help you cope with the fallout from home improvement fraud.  Contact CONSUMERLAWPA.com to set up a free, confidential consultation.

Sources:

pa.gov/agencies/dli/programs-services/labor-management-relations/bureau-of-occupational-and-industrial-safety/uniform-construction-code-home/contractor-licensing.html#:~:text=The%20Commonwealth%20of%20Pennsylvania%20currently,contractors%20(or%20their%20employees).

msn.com/en-us/news/us/how-to-spot-a-contractor-who-s-not-playing-by-the-rules/ar-AA1siGbn?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ACTS&cvid=57319d6971d945848945d1fd1d033e31&ei=17