How do I avoid being ripped off by a less than reputable contractor?

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How do I avoid being ripped off by a less than reputable contractor?

According to the Federal Trade Commission, there are several ways to spot less than reputable contractors because these hucksters tend to do the following:

Only accept cash payments;

Pressure you for an immediate decision;

Ask you to pay for the entire job up-front;

Solicit door-to-door;

Offer exceptionally long guarantees;

Just happen to have materials left over from a previous job;

Ask you to get the required building permits;

Not list a business number in the local telephone directory;

Offer you discounts for finding other customers;

Suggest that you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows, which could make you the target of a home improvement loan scam – a sure way to lose your home.

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