Insurance fraud costs Americans billions of dollars annually. While
most home-repair contractors are honest and do quality work, others
do not. These tips can help you choose an honest, reputable contractor.

Tips for hiring a
Home-Repair Contractor

• Be wary of contractors who solicit
door-to-door. Work only with established
contractors and those who have a solid
reputation.

• Work only with licensed, bonded and
insured contractors and have them
provide you with documentation.

• Require references and check them out.

• Check with your local Better Business
Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against contractors you are considering.

• Don’t feel pressured into signing a contract, and never sign a contract with blanks. A contract should include the contractor’s name, business name, phone number and address.

• Avoid payment-in-full up front. Some
contractors may require a partial up front
payment, but the amount should not
exceed approximately 20% of the total
estimate amount.

• Never let work begin on your home or
business until the contract is finalized.

• Don’t pay a contractor in full or sign a
completion certificate until the job is
completed and you are satisfied with
the work — avoid making cash payments.

• If anyone performs unauthorized work
on your property and demands payment,
consider contacting authorities.

• Never let anyone persuade you to seek
reimbursement for nonexistent or
exaggerated losses or damages. This
is insurance fraud, which is a felony.