When you decide to add an extension to the home or repair the roof, you already know you are going to be spending quite a bit of money. That is why it is critical to be careful when deciding on who you choose to do that work. Cowboy builders make up a small minority of the building industry and are ready to pounce on unsuspecting people. If you mistakenly hire one of these people to work on your home, you will regret it. That is why it is important to know the tell-tale signs of a cowboy builder to protect yourself.
Cold calls are the most common sign of a dodgy builder. This is when someone knocks at the door looking for work. They come prepared and will show you where your roof or driveway needs to be repaired, and offer to do it for a small fee. This type of solicitation is unheard of in the construction industry. Reputable builders and companies are far too busy to knock door to door looking for work; they are busy working and allowing people to search them out.
Usually these cowboy builders are very charming. They ooze confidence and friendliness, making it hard to know whether they are a qualified person or not. And, they try to make it hard for you to question their abilities. Taking a look at their vehicle can help you decide, a professional will have a professional looking van, usually with a sign on it. Don't let his friendliness sway you, he may act like he is doing you a favor but what he is really doing is trying to swindle you.
The majority of these types will ask for cash only, at times cash up front. They will be very insistent on how they can only take cash and have a million reasons on why. Even trying to convince you how it will save you tax money by paying in cash. In most cases, along with the demand of cash only, they'll tell you that paperwork is not necessary and refuse to sign or offer a contract.
A reputable builder and company will provide you with a list of references without asking, unlike the cowboy who has no such list. When you ask for references they'll change the subject, claim they forgot the list and even try to tell you that it is okay, everyone knows him. No one should be hired without references to back up their abilities.
As mentioned earlier, good builders are busy builders. They are typically not able to start a project for several weeks because of other work they are doing. However, a cowboy builder always has time on his hands and will want to start immediately. They'll tell you how they can start the same day or next morning, whatever you want. Such offers should be taken suspiciously and research done before hiring.
Building projects and repairs on the home can be costly and you need to protect yourself when hiring someone. The good builders do outnumber the dodgy ones, but those cowboy builders are always trying to swindle their way in with charm and confidence and you need to be on your toes. That is why it is important to be able to recognize the tell-tale signs of a cowboy builders, so you don't get taken in by one.
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