Because home repairs and improvements are expensive, con artists and thieves have entered the industry to rip you off. Be careful if someone mails you a brochure offering to do an expensive job for an unusually low price. Once you sign the contract, you will learn why the price is so low: The firm never delivers the service you paid for in advance.
Free inspections by con artists turn up plenty of expensive repairs you don’t need. Some shady operators offer to do the work on the spot. However, when they leave, you may be left with a large bill and a faulty repair job. Here are some precautions you can take to make an informed decision: