Avoiding Contractor Scams

BEFORE YOU HIRE A CONTRACTOR, KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR. Hiring a contractor can be one of the biggest financial decisions a homeowner makes. Most contractors are honest professionals who want to do good work, but unfortunately, a few bad contractors can cause serious financial loss, frustration, and damage to the reputation of the entire industry. Inside, you will learn how to: - Recognize contractor scams, warning signs, and questionable sales tactics - Check contractors, understand bids and contracts, and protect your payments - Understand permits, inspections, change orders, and your responsibilities - Recognize problems after construction begins and document them properly - Know what to do when a contractor stops communicating or abandons a project Written from the perspective of a Building Official with firsthand experience seeing the problems homeowners face. The book also includes practical end-of-chapter checklists covering common mistakes and red flags, giving you an easy reference when evaluating a contractor and managing your project. You do not have to be a construction expert to protect your home and your money. You need to know what to check, what questions to ask, and when to stop and take a closer look. Read this book before you hire your next contractor-not after something goes wrong. Build Smart Series