Remodeling Your Home? Quick Tips to Steer Clear of Scams

Many homeowners find remodeling a significant expense. Thus, paying for reconstruction in your home through installments is an enticing opportunity for any property owner.

However, there are many unscrupulous individuals and repair companies out there who use this lure to cheat honest people out of their hard-earned cash.

So, if you are looking to remodel, even just change the windows in your home, it's smart to do some due diligence before making any significant moves and signing any documents.

Here are some quick tips to follow before you call over anyone to your home for a remodeling job in order to avoid common scams.

1. Do the Research

The best place to start doing research is the internet. Many imposters claim to perform home improvement and repair tasks at zero cost, or very little charge. Common sense should dictate that you ask them for references first. Also, ask around about the repair company and do a little bit of internet search about the company offering you a deal before you hire them.

Many fake home repair companies tend to target the elderly, single unit families, or the low-income bracket where the need is great but the flow of money is somewhat limited. But anyone can indeed be a target for home repair scams no matter your status or class in society.

As such, one of the best ways to avoid scams and figure out how genuine a repair company or repair person is is to research them on the internet and also ask around the local area to determine their authenticity. This way you'll identify the right person for the job and weed out the bad ones.

2. Listen Closely

There is usually no such thing as a free lunch. Thus, if you have anyone come over to tell you that they'll fix windows in your home, for example, for no charge because you fit some bill, then know that you are probably being conned.

Listen carefully to the offers/quotes you are given for your home repairs. If the deal is too good to be true, it probably is. The only no charges or minimal charges scheme for home repair many are aware of was the Green Deal scheme introduced by the UK government to help people make energy-saving improvements to their homes and find the best way to pay for them. This scheme was discontinued.

Fake repair professionals often lure people with too good of a deal but in actual fact they are interested in stealing your money or even any personal information they can gather about you. Personal information is valuable to them as they can sell it to data brokers. So, if something seems oddly perfect, then beware there is usually some sort of hidden catch or trap awaiting you

3. Leverage Legitimate Home Improvement/Repair Programs

In some cases, there are legitimate deals, offers, and programs you can take advantage of for affordable home repairs. For example, certain scrappage companies fix new windows for minimal charges, but in return they take the old metal they get from your window to offset the work.

Similarly, there are many other legitimate home repair and improvement programs you may qualify for, such as The Energy Company Obligation (a scheme offered by the government to some select individuals), Care & Repair (a charity that may help you fix stuff), and Home Repair Assistance (government benefit offered to citizens in dire conditions and over the age of 60).

Do your research to identify such options and take advantage of the ones you qualify for. Seek referrals from friends, family, and neighbors who have had successful home remodeling or improvements. Remember, don't sign anything you don't completely understand or haven't read.

In Conclusion

Any company or individual making glorified claims about no costs or minimal charges should be viewed skeptically. And, since we've mentioned that scammers tend to target the vulnerable, you should always keep an eye out for such opportunists.

The best way to avoid losing money over a bad deal is not to be hasty. Take your time doing your research and verifying the providers' credentials, whether you are planning to get your windows changed, floors done, or perform some other home improvement task. Go for a reputable company or professional that lists costs upfront, making sure they clarify that there are no hidden charges.

Moreover, don't invite any Tom, Dick, and Harry over to your home and give them access to your private space and sensitive information. Make sure you have done your due diligence to ascertain their validity and verify their identity on site. Good luck.