Author: Reagan Harris MD | Last update: Saturday, August 16, 2025
13 Ways to Prevent Getting Screwed When Hiring a Contractor
Callback turnaround. If you don't hear back within 48 hours, forget them. ...
Know their specialties. Find out what his or her specialties are. ...
Get the skinny on the crew. ...
Is “sub out” in their vocabulary? ...
Busy body. ...
Ask for (and call!) references. ...
Check out the work.
How to not get screwed over by a contractor?
You should also talk to friends who have had done work recently to get recommendations. Check status and references – Check your state contractor's board to see if a contractor is required to have a state or local trade license to do your job, and then verify his or her status with the appropriate licensing agency.
How do you know if a contractor is screwing you?
20 Signs of a Bad Contractor (and How To Find a Good One)
They act unprofessionally.
They've changed their company name several times.
Their reviews are underwhelming.
They don't have a portfolio.
They're too busy.
They're not busy at all.
They're too 'salesy'
Getting a hold of them is difficult.
What should you not say to a contractor?
What Should You Not Say to a Contractor?
'I'm not in a hurry' ...
'I know a great roofer/electrician/cabinet installer! ...
'We had no idea this would be so expensive' ...
'Why can't you work during the thunderstorm/snow/heat wave? ...
'I'll buy my own materials' ...
'I can't pay you today. ...
'I'll pay upfront' ...
'I'm old school.
How to avoid being ripped off by contractors?
How Can I Avoid Getting Scammed by a Contractor?
Contact your insurance company to file a claim BEFORE you hire a contractor. ...
Make sure the contractor you hire for home repairs is legitimate. ...
Know the warning signs of a shady business. ...
Get an estimate from at least three different contractors. ...
Get a written contract.
How to Not Get Screwed as a Contractor: Karalynn Cromeens ECP 112
How to tell if a contractor is ripping you off?
Common Red Flags Signaling Contractor Fraud
Refusal to provide a contractor's license and insurance documentation.
Vague on project details, materials, timeline.
No references from satisfied recent customers or the Better Business Bureau.
Total cost of quote far lower than other contractors' estimates.
Can I file a police report if a contractor ripped me off?
Local District Attorney's Office: Contact your local district attorney's office and ask them how to file a fraud complaint or formal police report. Follow their recommendations of what steps to take first, such as filing an official complaint before going to the police.
How to tell if a contractor is good?
How do I find the right licensed contractor?
Make sure the contractor is licensed. ...
Shop around before hiring a contractor. ...
Ask for personal recommendations. ...
Verify the contractor's business location and telephone number. ...
Verify the contractor's workers' compensation and commercial general liability insurance coverage.
How do you protect yourself when dealing with a contractor?
Essential Steps to Protect Yourself When Hiring a Contractor
Get a Certificate of Insurance Before Signing a Contract. ...
Include Insurance Clauses in Your Contract When Hiring A Contractor. ...
Verify Insurance Before Work Begins. ...
Ensure Workers Are Covered by Workers' Compensation. ...
Check Insurance for Subcontractors.
How do you tell a contractor their price is too high?
Make sure to be reasonable and tactful. Explain nicely and firmly that you are spending a lot of money under the original budget and need to be frugal with change orders and extra costs. Let the contractor know you are willing to compromise on cost, but the price needs to be reasonable to you based on your research.
What is the red flag in construction?
RED FLAGS: A red flag indicates electrical lines, conduit, or lighting cable. Excavators need to tread lightly where red flags are placed to avoid any power outages accidentally caused by digging into a power cable.
How to fire a contractor nicely?
Begin with a concise and transparent explanation for the termination. Clearly state the underlying reason, whether it's due to performance issues, contractual breaches, or changes in the business strategy.
How do you know if a contractor is scamming you?
If you ever get a random phone call or a causal knock on the door from a person claiming to be a contractor, beware. They may not be who they claim to be. They may demand money upfront in the form of a cash deposit, or perhaps there missing a local address (steer clear of P.O. boxes or hotel addresses).
How do you know if a contractor is screwing you after?
Look for These 12 Red Flags to Avoid Hiring Bad Contractors
The contractor wants a large down payment. ...
The contract is vague. ...
The contractor had bad or zero reviews. ...
The contractor doesn't have references. ...
The bid or estimate is extremely low. ...
The contractor doesn't have proof of insurance.
What makes a bad contractor?
A bad contractor can do anything from buy shoddy materials and pocket your extra dough to use drugs and alcohol on the job, endangering himself and others.
How to find a contractor who won't rip you off?
10 Ways to Avoid Being Ripped Off by a Contractor
1 Researching and Vetting Contractors.
2 Make sure Contractors are Licensed and Insured.
3 Get Multiple Bids and Compare them.
4 Avoid Large Contractor Upfront Payments.
5 Check Contractor References and Past Work.
6 Manage the Contractor and Stay Involved.
How do you prevent a contractor from ripping you off?
5 ways to avoid being ripped off by a contractor
Research the contractor before giving him or her money. ...
Do not pay for the entire job upfront. ...
Use a reputable person or company and check reviews. ...
Ask for the contractor's license and insurance information. ...
Don't be in a rush, even when the contractor is.
How do you trust a contractor?
Follow these tips on qualities to look for in a reliable contractor:
Many Positive Reviews. When searching for a product or business, most people start by looking it up online. ...
Reliable References. ...
Plenty of Examples. ...
Good Communication Skills. ...
Detailed Contract. ...
Proof of Insurance. ...
Verified License.
How do you deal with a lying contractor?
You can file a complaint with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) online at https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/ConstructionComplaint/ComplaintFormProcess.aspx or by mail using their Construction Complaint form.
What should you not ask a contractor?
Seven Things to Never Say to a Contractor
Never Tell a Contractor They are the Only One Bidding on the Job. ...
Don't Tell a Contractor Your Budget. ...
Never Ask a Contractor for a Discount if You Pay Upfront. ...
Don't Tell a Contractor That You Aren't in A Hurry. ...
Do Not Let a Contractor Choose the Materials.
Which of the following are signs of a good contractor?
A great contractor presents themselves professionally to their clients from start to finish. Keep an eye on your construction contractor's punctuality, attire, and manner of speaking with you. If you ever feel uncomfortable, pressured, or confused about the next steps, a lack of professionalism may be to blame.
How do you tell a contractor you are unhappy?
How to Tell a Contractor You Are Unhappy
Review the Contract and Scope of Work. Before you talk to your contractor, review the renovation contract you signed. ...
Arrange a Meeting. ...
Be Specific About Issues. ...
Listen to Your Contractor. ...
Get a Plan for the Next Steps.
Can a contractor go to jail for not finishing a job?
Our contractor has been paid in full but didn't finish the work. A civil suit is pointless. They have nothing. The only option now is to pursue criminal charges for felony contractor fraud.
How to get your money back from someone who ripped you off?
Contact your bank or payment provider straight away. Let them know what happened and ask if you can get a refund. It's important to help them while they look at your claim - make sure you give them any information they ask for.
What is contractor negligence?
Contractor negligence refers to the failure of a contractor or construction professional to meet the expected standard of care and skill in performing their contractual duties.