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Home Improvement Scams

Home Solicitation

Be extremely cautious of anyone coming to your home uninvited and offering to do home repairs. This technique could be the beginning of a scam. Door-to-door solicitors may use the following scenarios:

• State that “we have just finished a job nearby and we have some material left over; we can do your job for half price.”
• Canvassing your neighborhood in an unmarked truck or van.
• Contract or business card does not include street address or telephone number.
• Refuses to give a written estimate or contract.
• Pressures you to make a quick decision.
• Requires a large down payment.

Protect Yourself

• If the transaction was over $25 and was unsolicited by the customer, State Law provides that you have a 3 day right-to-cancel in a home solicitation sale.
  Obtain several estimates.
• Demand to see proper licenses that include city occupational licenses and home improvement contracting licenses regulated by the аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê Construction Licensing Board, (727) 582-3100.
• Ask for references and make sure you check them out.
• Make sure any verbal promises are written in the contract.
• Start and completion dates should be written in the contract.
• Prior to issuing final payment, request a Contractor’s Affidavit stating that all subcontractors have been paid.
• Do not pay the final balance until work is completed to your satisfaction.

If you have any questions about any of the procedures mentioned here, contact the аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê Office of Consumer Protection at (727) 464-6200.