Home Maintenance Fraud

By Frank E. Fain, PhD

Sitting on the porch with a cool drink a widow was enjoying a beautiful June afternoon. It had been three years since her husband of fifty-plus years had died. On days like this she really felt his absences because it was on this type of day that he would do the repairs that kept their home beautiful.

A construction truck pulling into her driveway interrupted her thoughts. A nice looking young man approached her, introduced himself and asked if she could help him with a little problem.

He said his asphalt sealing crew was working close by and they had over estimated the amount of sealant needed for the job. He had noticed her asphalt drive needed to be sealed and he said his crew could seal it for her that day. Since they would be using the left over sealant from the other job he could give her a great discount.

The young man look decent, his truck was clean and professionally looking with the company name painted on the side. It even had that little “fish symbol” on it indicating a Christian based business, so she agreed to have the work done.

The crew finished the work so she paid the nice young man. He told her it would take time for the sealant to harden so not to drive on it that evening. The sealant was still wet the next day at noon, so the widow called her pastor.

The pastor and a retired construction worker church member came to look at the driveway. The “sealant” was in reality just used motor oil. The widow realized she was a victim of home maintenance fraud.

Most home improvement companies operate honestly. They provide wonderful and needed services for older adult homeowners. But there are a few con artists who operated “home improvement” companies for the sole propose of scamming homeowners.

Following are some guidelines that may help you avoid being a victim of home maintenance fraud.

Always check the company’s credentials, making sure they are insured and provide workman’s comp for their employees

Use only companies that are well known or are recommended by someone you trust. Check a company’s reputation with your local Better Business Bureau or the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222

Get a written estimate from at least two companies before choosing a contractor.

Be suspicious of project solicitors who go door-to-door offering to make home repairs. Treat them just like other contractors, ask for references, a written bid, and explain you will be securing other bids before making a decision. Honest solicitors will not mind the scrutiny or competition for the business.

After storms watch out for price gouging from builders and building suppliers. It is a violation of Missouri law for anyone to raise prices on necessities after a natural disaster.

After damaging storms be suspicious of work crews with out-of-state license plates or un-marked vehicles.

Do not pay full price in advance for services you have not yet received. Only make full payment when the terms of the construction agreement have been met to your satisfaction.

This is the time of year to have needed home repairs done. Be careful and make sure you are not a victim of fraud in you home maintenance this summer.

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	Always check the company’s credentials, making sure they are insured and provide workman’s comp for their employees
	Use only companies that are well known or are recommended by someone you trust. Check a company’s reputation with your local Better Business Bureau or the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222
	Get a written estimate from at least two companies before choosing a contractor.
	Be suspicious of project solicitors who go door-to-door offering to make home repairs. Treat them just like other contractors, ask for references, a written bid, and explain you will be securing other bids before making a decision. Honest solicitors will not mind the scrutiny or competition for the business.
	After storms watch out for price gouging from builders and building suppliers. It is a violation of Missouri law for anyone to raise prices on necessities after a natural disaster.
	After damaging storms be suspicious of work crews with out-of-state license plates or un-marked vehicles.
	Do not pay full price in advance for services you have not yet received. Only make full payment when the terms of the construction agreement have been met to your satisfaction.