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 getti...