Hooper Thygesen

Spring is prime time for home repairs -- and which makes it prime time for outright scams or annoying differences. You can act to avoid both dilemmas.

House restoration cons by traveling con-artists work like this: Con-artists provide sensational low rates, give a tough sell to you, and stop at your home. It might be for roofing or painting, tree-trimming, or asphalting your driveway with material apparently 'left over' from the job nearby. The con-artists insist that you pay in advance -- but they do minimum work and never get back. Remember, genuine technicians very seldom get door-to-door. Be skeptical. The primary principles are to see a contractor, and never spend large sums in advance into a contractor that you don't know. Help older neighbors who might be pressured or intimidated into paying traveling con-artists.

A couple of 'bad-apple' local companies also simply take large advance payments but fail to do the work, or just do a part of employment or really shoddy work. For alternative ways to look at this, please check out: sponsors. Navigating To go probably provides lessons you could give to your cousin. This can be hard-to show as fraud, but it is costly and frustrating. Follow these ideas to protect your self once you hire a contractor:

Beware of high-pressure sales techniques such as 'today-only' discounts, offers to use your home like a 'present home' for alternative siding or windows, and 'lifetime warranty' offers that only last for the life of the company. Always get a few written rates -- check around for the best option before making such a big investment.

Have a look at a specialist before you sign a contract or pay any money. Visiting partner sites possibly provides lessons you should use with your mom. Demand local sources -- and check always them out. Contact the Attorney General's Office to find out if it's claims or contact the Better Business Bureau. You can also contact your county clerk of court and ask how to check if your company continues to be charged by customers.

Have it written down. Before any work begins, agree