Now that spring is on its way, so are the people who want to sell you everything from lawn services to home improvements. While most of these people are good people, just trying to run a business, you also have to watch out for those who may not have your best interests at heart. Every year, our call for action office hears from consumers who signed up for services that were not performed, paid for work that was done shoddy or not at all, or have been unable to reach a contractor who has left town. Before you agree to sign up for a service or have any improvements done:
• Check out the reputation of the service provider or contractor – checking both the business name and owner of the company.
• Do not give them any personal information or money up front until you know who you are dealing with.
• Get a signed proposal with all work to be performed, dates of completion, and total cost. Make sure that the proposal also includes a verifiable street address and phone number for the contractor.
• Get more than one estimate and do not be pressured to sign for anything on the spot.
For more information about how to get help with a service provider or contractor, contact the Wisconsin Department of Consumer Protection or our Call For Action office.