Home show/expo season begins: Do your homework to avoid substandard contractors
Home show season is a highly anticipated annual event that runs from late winter to early summer, where attendees can discover the latest trends in home improvement and remodeling.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says proper preparation is key to saving time, finding the best deals, and avoiding potential pitfalls.
If you’re considering a project, attending a home show helps you learn about new products and features. However, be mindful of potential scams, misleading offers, or aggressive sales tactics. BBB offers tips to help you avoid such problems at home shows and expos.
“There can be hundreds of vendors and contractors, making it easy to shop in one place,” said Steve Bernas, BBB president and CEO. “But know before you go. Be aware of unscrupulous vendors and high-pressure sales tactics. With some research, you can choose great vendors and avoid subpar contractors.”
Double-check vendors before you attend. Research them at BBB.org to avoid impulsive decisions. Because home shows can become crowded, consider arriving early or exploring virtual options to ensure you have time to ask questions and make informed choices.
“With so many vendors on site, plan ahead and prioritize which ones to visit to make the most of your time,” Bernas said.
If you’re going to a home show to find a contractor, consider these tips before you sign any agreement:
• Research and gather information. Search for a contractor’s Business Profile at BBB.org for free information on their history of complaints, read verified Customer Reviews, and see if they are a BBB Accredited Business. Also, search for the company's name online along with “Complaint,” “Review,” or “Scam” to see what others have experienced with the company.
• Ask for references. Ask the contractor for a list of recent local references you may contact. Ask the references about the services performed, their overall experience with the contractor, and the quality of the work. If possible, inspect the contractor's work yourself. Contact at least three businesses for quotes using the same criteria. The lowest bid isn’t always best.
• Get a written estimate. Never let work begin without a signed contract. Don’t sign before you’re ready and read everything. The contract should specify details, dates, work description, material costs, payment plan, and warranty. Never sign incomplete contracts. Illinois law requires written contracts for jobs over $1,000.
• Verify licenses and insurance. Ensure your contractor obtains the required permits before work starts. The contract should include permit costs if you pay them.
• Inquire about a lien waiver. A lien waiver is your contractor’s statement that all suppliers and subcontractors have been paid.
• Arrange a payment schedule. Never pay in total upfront. Stagger your payments, so your final payment is not due until the work is complete and you have thoroughly inspected it. Do not pay cash; make sure your check is written to a company, not an individual, or use a credit card.
• Get a receipt. Request a receipt marked “Paid in Full” once the job is completed and your final payment has been made.
• Keep your contract. Hold on to your contract for future reference or if any questions arise after the work is completed.
If you encounter a scam, report it to BBB ScamTracker. Sign up for BBB’s free consumer newsletter, BBB Edge, at BBB.org/ChicagoBuzz. Follow @ChicagoBBB on social media.