Complaints against contractors on the rise

With the warmer weather there usually comes a dramatic increase in reports of construction and remodeling scams. This year is no exception.
A week or so ago, we received a call from a township resident who paid a contractor several thousands of dollars to perform some work for him. The resident told us the contractor had not shown up to do the work. Unfortunately, there was no contract that spelled out when the work was to begin and/or end. This meant the resident did not have enough evidence of a valid fraud complaint.
Because the resident did not have enough evidence of a valid fraud complaint, it became a civil matter, meaning the resident has no recourse other than to file a civil suit against the contractor to try to get his money back.
As the crime prevention officer and community policing officer for the township, I do my best to warn residents that scammers know how to skirt the law so as to avoid criminal charges. These scammers have also found ways to avoid paying back customers they have bilked money from, so even if a judge has issued a finding against the contractor, sometimes the customer doesn’t collect.
You may recall hearing the Latin phrase “caveat emptor,” meaning let the buyer beware. In this case, it means do your homework before you hand over any money.
Make sure you are dealing with a reputable contractor. Be skeptical of those whose business is found solely online. Make sure they have all required licenses, state and local. Check for a valid address of their business, not just one they work out of their residence.
One of the most important factors in checking out a contractor is references from those the contractor has performed satisfactory work for in the past. Even if the contractor gives you a list of “customers” make sure it’s more than a list of the contractor’s friends who are just posing as past customers.
It can take a little work to check out a contractor, but it is worth your while if it saves you hundreds or thousands of dollars you may lose it the contractor does not pan out.
Also check to make sure the contractor is using quality materials to do the work. If the materials used are of poor quality, they will not last. Ask for information about the laborers who will be performing the work.
Before you pay a contractor any money, check with the local Better Business Bureau to see what the contractor’s rating is and if there are any complaints against them. More important than any complaints is to see how the complaints were resolved. Shy away from a contractor who has multiple outstanding (unresolved) complaints.
If you are having construction or remodeling work done, you should stick with a contractor who is local and has a good reputation in the community. Going the cheapest route may be a mistake. Remember, you usually get what you pay for.
This article is a public service from the Community Policing/Crime Prevention Division of the Lake Township Police Department. Township residents may obtain further information on crime prevention and public safety topics by contacting Ron Craig, crime prevention specialist/community policing officer, at 419-481-6354.