THIS IS A HAMMER

Contractor Fraud

Q: I’d like to hire a contractor to make some repairs to my garage, but I hear a lot of stories these days about handymen who overcharge, don’t do the work promised or otherwise cheat customers. How can I make sure I get what I pay for? — Clarence T., Philadelphia

A: There are several things you can do to make sure a contractor is legitimate, that the work will be done on time and to your satisfaction, and that unpleasant surprises won’t crop up later. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

—Take your time deciding: Unless the repair is an emergency, you have the luxury of getting more than one estimate from more than one contractor. Get at least three quotes before deciding.

—Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints were lodged against the contractor and how the contractor responded to those complaints.

—Ask the contractor if you can contact past customers about his work.

—Ask for the contractor’s license, as well as proof of workers compensation insurance.

—Get everything in writing: A statement of when the work will begin and end, how much materials will cost and what materials will be used, how much labor is involved and what that will cost, whether permits will be required, and whether the work must meet building codes.

—Do not allow work to begin until you have signed a contract you both agree on.

—Never pay in advance, and do not pay in cash: write a check or use a credit card instead.

—Insist on inspecting all work yourself (or have a representative inspect it for you) before providing the final payment.

If a problem crops up during or after the repair job, try to resolve the issue with the contractor first. Reputable contractors will try to make it right. If you can’t resolve the problem or can’t find the contractor, you can lodge a complaint with the BBB or contact your state or city’s consumer protection department.

HOME TIP: Word of mouth is still the best way to find a good contractor. Ask neighbors, family and friends if there’s a contractor they can recommend.

(c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.