Home Repair Cons

Information provided by:

Denver District Attorney
Mitchell R. Morrissey, D.A.
Fraud Hot Line 720-913-9179
Website: www.denverda.org

Traveling scam artists arrive every spring and prey on victims, especially the elderly, with door-to-door home repair, roofing, paving and other scams, intimidating the consumers into paying thousands of dollars for poor quality and unnecessary home repairs.

How to Recognize Door-to-Door Con Artists

They peddle roofing, paving and other repair work door-to-door.
They drive new pick-up trucks with typically out-of-state license plates.
They prey on the elderly using friendly, but high-pressure tactics.
They may say they have material left over from a previous job, or insist they did work for you or a neighbor before.
They quote bargain prices, but demand much more after the job is complete.

To Protect Yourself from Door-to-Door Scams

Don't do business with door-to-door contractors – even if they promise to do the work for bargain prices.
Get at least three bids on any work, and don't always choose the lowest.
Check all contractors with your building inspection department and the BBB.
Insist on a written contract and don't be pressured into additional projects, paying more or paying for unauthorized work.

If You Suspect Door-To-Door Con Artists in your Neighborhood

Don't answer your door.
Call your local police, sheriff, or district attorney's office immediately.

How to Choose a Legitimate Contractor

BEWARE door-to-door contractors who use high-pressure or scare tactics to get you to make an immediate decision. DON'T do business with someone who comes to your door offering a bargain because he says he has materials left over from another job
Get at least 3 written bids. DON'T always choose the lowest bidder - almost all complaints to the DA's office are contractors with very low bids. You get what you pay for.
Require the contractor to use a written contract that lists materials to be used, as well as charges and costs, and the completion date.
Pay little or nothing in advance. Pay only the cost of materials as outlined in the contract in advance, then pay the balance only when you are satisfied, and the job has been approved by a building inspector.
Visit the Denver Building Inspection Service website or contact them at developmentservices@denvergov.org or 720-865-2982 (or your local office) to determine if the contractor is licensed. DON'T do business with an unlicensed contractor.
Ask the contractor to show you proof that he is bonded, carries liability insurance, and covers his workers with workers compensation insurance.
Does the contractor have a business card with a verifiable street address and office phone number? Be cautious of P.O. boxes and answering machines or pagers only.
Contact your Better Business Bureau for a reliability report.
DON'T make final payment until 1) you're satisfied, 2) you've received a "lien waiver" that shows the contractor has paid his subcontractors and suppliers, and 3) the building inspector has signed off on the job.