Mid-springtime means it’s time for the smack of the bat, the hack of the pollen, and, uh, well, the attack of the door-to-door scam artist.
Homeowners and businesses are well-advised to be wary of crooked “contractors” who promise a great deal to pave your driveway, resurface your parking lot, or do other construction projects on your property. As is so often the case, it’s best to mind the Latin warning: caveat emptor. And to heed the English proverb: A fool and his money are soon parted.
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) says spring and summer is prime time for these swindlers who often don uniforms and even sport specially painted trucks to look as if they’re on the up and up. They target senior citizens, but no one is immune. Be on guard for salespeople who employ high-pressure tactics, for they’re the very ones who will frequently jack up the final bill even after they’ve done a second-rate job with second-class materials.
L&I points to one bad-apple paving company that’s been doing terrible work in Southwest Washington. Victims there learned the pavers aren’t even registered. L&I tips for folks to “Hire Smart include:
- Verifying that contractors are registered by clicking www.Verify.Lni.wa.gov, or calling 1-888-811-5974.
- Obtaining written bids from three contractors.
- Refusing payment in full until the job is completed to your satisfaction.
- Reporting fraud at www.Fraud.Lni.wa.gov or 1-888-811-5974.
- Reviewing additional tips at ProtectMyHome.net.
L&I also recommends that you hire only registered contractors who have liability insurance and possess a business license and bond — because this affords you at least some monetary recourse against slapdash jobs.