Warning Signs

Warning Signs During Other Contractor Interviews

Avoid remodelers at all costs when:

• You can't verify the name, address, telephone number or credentials of the remodeler.
• The salesperson tries to pressure you into signing a contract.
• The pictures shown cannot be verified to be actual work performed by the contractor.
• The company or salesperson says your home will be used for advertising purposes so you will be given a "special, low rate."
• The builder/remodeler tells you a special price is available only if you sign the contract "today" (unless the product goes off sale)
• No verifiable references are furnished, or only a few furnished although company is said to be in business a long time!
• Information you receive from the contractor is out-of-date or no longer valid.
• You are unable to verify the license or insurance information.
• You are asked to pay for the entire job in advance, or to pay in cash to a salesperson instead of by check or money order to the company itself.
• The company is not listed with the local Better Business Bureau, or with a local trade association, such as NARI, or NKBA.

In addition, be cautious when:

• You are given vague or reluctant answers, and cannot answer with building or product knowlege.
• The contractor exhibits poor communication skills or descriptive powers.
• The contractor is not accessible.
• Your questions are not answered to your satisfaction.
• The contractor is impatient and does not listen.
• Only the work is addressed, instead of your needs as the homeowner.
• There is no presentation book of previous projects presented.

Credit: Jason Schneider