How to Detect a Scam Artist Before You Hand Over the Money 4 Warning Signs of a Crooked Contractor
By: Matthew Miglin

I hate to say it, but not all contractors are honest.

We?re not all crooks. But there are people out there who will overcharge you and give you garbage. Others aren?t dishonest, just incompetent?they couldn?t build a birdhouse if you put a gun to their head, let alone a bathroom.

Wouldn?t it be great if all dishonest, incompetent contractors were terrible at selling themselves? That way, when you talked to them over the phone or had them present their project idea in your home, you could separate the good from the bad right away.

Yeah, and I?d like to win the lottery while we?re dreaming. Let?s talk practicalities.

Here are 4 of the 8 signs in my book ?Home Contractor Secrets?Revealed? that will warn you away from a crooked contractor. If you see any?or all?of these signs, you have trouble on your hands. Cut the interview short and walk away.

1) The contractor makes a cold-call to your house. A ?cold call? means he calls you out of the blue. He doesn?t know anyone you know, and no one recommended him.

If a contractor is making cold calls, it?s because none of his other clients will recommend him or give him referrals. Do not work with this kind of contractor.

There are a few exceptions to this?some good contractors are aggressive in trying to grow their businesses, but they?re rare. One situation that I can think of is if your neighbors are remodeling their home?a worker might come by and give you a flyer. In this situation you can go see the remodel for yourself. You can ask your neighbor about the quality of the work. In this situation the worker isn?t trying to sell you anything. If you like what you see, you can give the company a call.

2) The contractor tries to pressure you into making an immediate decision. An honest contractor knows you need time to think it over. Crooked contractors will tell you that their price is a discount that is good ?only if you accept it by the end of the day.?

They are trying to stop you from getting any other bids. 90% of the time, their ?discount price? is more expensive than everyone else?s regular quote. Run, do not walk, away from these ?deals.?

3) The contractor offers discounts or finder?s fees for finding other customers. Good contractors rely on referrals and word of mouth to get their business. Good contractors don?t have to bribe you to make you work with them.

4) The contractor wants you to get all the building permits. This could be a sign that the contractor is not licensed and is trying to avoid getting caught. This is not always the case, but be aware.

If remodeling is a war, then scam artists are the vultures that circle the battlefield looking for easy prey. A scam artist doesn?t want to work. He wants money for nothing. But a scam artist can?t fool you if you do your homework. If you want more information on how spot a crooked contractor before you give him any money?and learn other ways to save thousands of dollars on your remodeling project, go to www.HomeContractorSecrets.com .