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solicits door-to-door;
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offers you discounts for finding other customers;
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just happens to have materials left over from a previous job;
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only accepts cash payments;
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asks you to get the required building permits;
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does not list a business number in the local telephone directory;
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tells you your job will be a "demonstration;"
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pressures you for an immediate decision;
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offers exceptionally long guarantees;
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asks you to pay for the entire job up-front;
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suggests or recommends that you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows. If you're not careful, you could lose your home through a home improvement loan scam.
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Never pay in cash. When payment is due, pay by check made out to the company and only after you have received proof that all material suppliers and subcontractors have been paid;
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never pay for materials up front;
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do not pull permits, it may mean that the contractor is unlicensed and, if there is a problem, you will be responsible.
