Officials Warn Against Home Improvement Fraud

County and state officials are warning residents against home improvement fraud this summer by offering tips to homeowners who may be approached by unscrupulous contractors.

“Homeowners need to be vigilant when entering into home improvement contracts,” said Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan. “There are certain steps that homeowners can take to protect themselves from being the victim of fraud.”

All residents must register with the Attorney General’s Office; click here to search for a contractor.

Residents are also urged to get more than one bid for a home improvement job, to contact references of the contractor and to check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints were lodged against the contractor.

According to Hogan, fraud cases are only prosecuted if a date for the project’s completion is listed in the contract; with no completion date, the case can be dismissed.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane offers a number of tips on protection against contractors, including never hiring a contractor with no business card with a local phone number or address, writing a contract with a start and finish date and a three-day right to cancel notice, and always get proof of insurance and references.

Sales pitches that begin with “I’ve just done a job nearby and have some material left over, so I can give you a great deal on the job,” is an element of a home improvement scam, according to Kane.

There is an extensive list of Contractor “do’s and don’ts” National Center for the Prevention of Home Improvement Fraud website.