CHANTILLY, VA, Mar 29, 2024—When it comes to your building project, you want to make sure you have a reliable contractor on your side. However, finding a reputable contractor is often harder than it sounds, according to Scott MacDonald, President of RE/MAX Gateway, who explains that there seems to be no shortage of shady contractors. So how do you identify one who is less than reputable? Below, MacDonald gives us a rundown.
The telltale signs:
- Pressure is used to get you to sign a contract.
- Verifying the contractor’s name, address, phone number and credentials is impossible.
- Cash payments are only accepted, not checks made out to a company.
- Payment for the entire job is demanded upfront, whereas most remodelers typically require a down payment of 25 - 50 percent of the contract price for small jobs and 10 -33 percent for large jobs.
- The contractor suggests 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.
- The contractor offers information that is out-of-date or no longer valid.
- No references are available.
- An inability by the contractor to communicate the project well.
- Exceptionally long guarantees are offered.
- The contractor fails to listen and talks over you.
- The contractor fails to notify you of your right to cancel the contract within three days. This “right of rescission” is required by law and allows you to change your mind without penalty if the contract was provided at a place other than the contractor’s place of business or an appropriate trade premises.
For more information on finding a contractor, please contact RE/MAX Gateway at scottmacdonald@remax.net, 703-652-5777, or RE/MAX Gateway.
RE/MAX Gateway is an award-winning real estate company serving Northern Virginia and the DC Metro area with four office locations. Agents are licensed in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.