- Home improvement fraud has been on the rise in the past five years as homeowners still need work done in the post-pandemic environment of recovering supply chains, rising costs, and busy contractors – a perfect storm for scammers. They might look professional; talk confidently about proper drainage and water damage; and give you a quote that appears reasonable, but fraudulent contractors all have one thing in common – to take your money while doing little or no work. Here is a brief guide on gutter scams and how to avoid them.
Knocking on Your Door
Reliable gutter installation companies will not knock on your door. They depend on proper marketing methods – genuine testimonials, websites with contact info, advertising, and customer referrals. Scammers want to convince you in person that they can offer you a great deal and do the job.
Payment Now
A sign that you are not dealing with a legit contractor is the demand for full payment on the spot, with the understanding that they will come back at an agreed day and time to do the work. Chances are you will never see them again. A legitimate gutter installation company typically asks for only 30% of the cost of the project upfront.
Act Now!
Scammers want you to act now. They may use tactics like “today only” offers or pressure you into signing a contract on the spot. To convince you to hire them, they might exaggerate the urgency of the gutter repairs or distract you from reviewing the details (or lack of them) to prevent you from making an informed decision.
Fuzzy about Credentials
A fraudulent contractor might claim to be licensed but isn’t. A reliable gutter technician is happy to show you any relevant paperwork including a valid contractor’s license and insurance to cover accidents on your property. In addition to seeing the appropriate documents, ask for references.
The company is totally fake. A scammer might approach you in person and produce a “business” card for a company that does’t exist.
No Inspections
A reliable gutter installation company will perform an inspection of your gutters and downspouts. They will be upfront on what needs to be done and will base their estimate or quote on this inspection.
Bait and Switch
The quality materials you thought you were purchasing are switched for cheaper ones and promised services when you hired the contractor are never or partially delivered.
Unprofessional Conduct
Scam contractors may seem pushy, in a hurry, or unprofessional, possibly due to the expectation that they won’t be seeing you again. Unprofessional conduct to look for includes: doesn’t show up on time, doesn’t keep appointments, doesn’t communicate clearly, and shows signs of alcohol or drug use.
How to Avoid Being Scammed
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- Never pay cash. Never write a cheque to an individual. Pay the company through valid payment methods.
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- Do not make the final payment until you have inspected the work and are satisfied with it. If you’re not happy, let the contractor know you will pay them when the issue has been resolved.
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- If you didn’t make an appointment, never allow strangers into home to “check” anything.
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- Get at least three estimates from established gutter installation companies.
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- Research the company online – check testimonials, their standing with BBB, references, licenses, and if the contact information is valid (street address, working email).
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- Everything should be in writing. A reputable company will ask you to sign a contract, which will include a detailed description of the work to be done, materials, costs (including labour), a work schedule, and terms of payment. Read the contract before signing; don’t sign until you get clarification for anything that is not clear to you.
- Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, ask questions and for proof of company/individual’s credentials. Remember the saying, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”
