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Home repair and contractor scams

Door-to-door contractors, storm-chasers, and bait-and-switch repair scams target older homeowners. Here is how to spot them.

Written by Brian Fluhr

Home repair scams are among the most damaging, because they combine big dollar amounts with real work on your home that may or may not have been done correctly. Older homeowners are targeted specifically.

Here are the common variations and how to protect yourself.

Common home repair scams

The door-to-door scam. A person knocks on your door claiming to have noticed a problem with your house. "Your roof has missing shingles." "Your chimney is cracked." "Your driveway needs sealing and I have extra material from a job down the street." They offer a special price if you agree today.

The storm chaser. After a storm in your area, contractors show up offering immediate roof, siding, or fence repairs. Many are legitimate. Some are not. The not-legitimate ones collect a deposit and disappear, or do shoddy work and leave.

The bait and switch. A contractor quotes a low price, starts work, then "finds" unexpected problems that require much more money to fix. Once they have ripped open a wall or torn off shingles, you feel stuck.

The upfront payment scam. A contractor requires full payment before starting, then either does poor work or never shows up.

The fake inspector. Someone claims to be from the city, gas company, or utility, asking to inspect your home. They get inside, either to case it for theft or to find "problems" only they can fix.

Rules that protect you

  1. Never hire someone who came to you uninvited. This is the single most important rule. Legitimate contractors do not knock on doors. If someone shows up unsolicited with a concern about your home, say "thank you, I will get it checked" and close the door.

  2. Get a written estimate. Before any work, a real contractor provides a detailed written estimate.

  3. Get three quotes for significant work. Comparing three estimates protects you from both overcharging and dangerously low bids that mask poor quality.

  4. Check their license and insurance. Most states require contractors to be licensed for certain work. Check your state's license lookup online. Ask for proof of liability insurance.

  5. Never pay in full up front. A small deposit (up to 10-20%) for materials is normal. Full payment up front is never normal.

  6. Pay by check or credit card, not cash. Cash leaves no record and no way to dispute charges.

  7. Do not let pressure tactics work. "The price goes up tomorrow" or "this is our last special offer" are tactics, not truth.

  8. Verify utility or inspector visits. If someone claims to be from the gas company or city, ask for identification, then call the company or agency directly (using a number from your bill, not a number they give you) to confirm they are real.

Finding a real contractor

  • Ask family and neighbors for recommendations. Word-of-mouth is still the best source.

  • Check review sites carefully. Look for contractors with many reviews over several years, not just a few recent ones.

  • Use SeniorThrive's Home Services when available. Vetted local professionals, without leaving the app.

  • Work with referrals from licensed professionals. A plumber often knows a good electrician. A roofer knows a good siding contractor.

Red flags during a job

Even after hiring someone, watch for:

  • "Surprise" additional charges. A real contractor discusses changes with you before doing the work, not after.

  • Pressure to use their financing. Especially if it seems too easy to qualify.

  • Disappearing for long stretches.

  • Materials that look different from what was quoted.

  • Pressure to sign waivers, disclaimers, or additional paperwork mid-project.

If you think you have been scammed

  1. Stop payments. If you paid by check, stop the check. If by credit card, dispute it with your card company.

  2. Report to your state attorney general. Many have dedicated consumer protection units.

  3. File with the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org.

  4. Report to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

  5. Tell your family. Sometimes they can help pursue a small claims court option.

Bring family into big decisions

For any home repair over a few hundred dollars, it is worth involving a family member in your Circle. A second set of eyes reviews the estimate. Asks the questions that would not occur to you. Makes the scammer less comfortable, which often makes them leave.

This is not about being incapable. It is about having backup for big, infrequent decisions, which is smart at any age.

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