Scammers are always looking for new ways to deceive people to make a quick buck, and home improvements are a common target. As the weather warms and home improvement projects start taking center stage, contractor scams start blossoming like weeds. Here are some of the most common home improvement scams and tips to help you avoid them.

The Door-to-Door Scam

Knock-knock! There’s a scammer at the door! They’ve shown up pretending to be contractors or representatives of a home improvement company. They may offer to do work for a low price or even for free. They might claim that they have just finished working in the neighborhood and have extra materials, so they’re happy to work at a reduced or no cost.

Cheap or free labor sounds amazing, doesn’t it? And it is – until you realize the “contractor” is not licensed or insured, uses subpar materials and does shoddy work. They may also try to get you to sign a contract on the spot. This leaves you with no time to do proper research or get competing quotes.

In the worst variation of this scam, the alleged contractor will ask to be paid upfront in full, claiming they need the money to buy materials or cover other expenses. However, once they have your money, they disappear without doing any work.

Stay safe: Never hire a contractor on the spot. Always ask for proof of license and insurance as well as references from previous clients. Also, never pay for a project in full before it’s completed.

The High-Pressure Sales Scam

“If I leave here without a signed contract, the deal’s gone!” Some scammers use high-pressure sales tactics to get you to sign a contract. They may offer a special deal that is only available for a limited time or claim they can only do the work if you sign a contract right away. Unfortunately, though, these tactics are only a ploy to pressure you into making a decision before you are ready. They may also hide additional fees or charges in the contract, and/or promise things that they cannot deliver.

Stay safe: Never rush to hire a contractor. Don’t be swayed by limited-time offers, and always carefully read the contract before signing.

The “As Seen on TV” Scam

Some home improvement scams use the “as seen on TV” approach to trick you into thinking their product or service is endorsed by a reputable source. They claim that their product or service has been featured on a popular TV show or website, or that it has been used by celebrities. However, these claims are completely false or highly exaggerated. The product or service may not live up to its promises, or it may be overpriced compared to similar products or services.

Stay safe: Always do your research and read reviews from other customers on multiple platforms before hiring a contractor. Don’t assume celebrity endorsements or claims of popularity are legit without verifying them first.

The Insurance Scam

In this variation, scammers claim they can help you get a new roof, or another home improvement project covered by your insurance company, despite the fact that there was no covered event making the project necessary. This, of course, is insurance fraud, which is illegal and can lead to fines and jail time.

Stay safe: Always check with your insurance company before starting any home improvement project. Make sure the project is covered by your policy and that you understand the deductible and other terms of your policy.

Home improvement projects are exciting; getting scammed while renovating your home is not. Follow these tips to protect yourself and avoid home improvement scams. Stay safe!