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Seven Common Contractor Scams

Storm Chasing Contractors: After a major hail storm hits, it’s not uncommon for storm chasing contractors from several states away to arrive soon after and start going door-to-door offering their services.  Panicked homeowners can get baited in by promises of swift storm damage roof replacement.  Oftentimes, storm chasing contractors fail to complete the work, incorrectly finish it, or fail to pull proper permits.  Those that fail to carry insurance or are underinsured also prove problematic, because the homeowner can incur the expenses if installers are injured or their home is damaged.

Storm Damage Ham Lake MN

The Lowest Bidder:  Oftentimes, the lowest bid is often accompanied with a vague contract that does little to elaborate on materials being used, warranties that are offered, or a work completion date.  This tactic is a method to get a homeowner under contract without really knowing specifics of the job.  The lowest bidder may also be able to offer the price they can because they are skimping on items such as wages, insurance, and workers’ comp.  It’s best practice to get bids from three contractors with all project elements clearly spelled out. This provides the homeowner the ability to make sure they’re getting a fair price by a reputable company.

Jumbo Down Payment Requirement: A down payment is to be expected, as a contractor needs funds to purchase materials for a job.  However, it should be a red flag if more than 30% is required upfront.  This gives the contractor little incentive to show up and complete the work in a timely manner, if they even complete it at all.  In fact, they may be using your money to pay for another project they’re behind on.

Here’s What You Need to Know About Hiring a Window Replacement Contractor: 

Project is Halted Until More Money is Paid by the Homeowner: Some issues such as dry rot, lead, and structural issues may not be evident until demolition has taken place.  When this occurs, the proper procedure is to have a written change order signed by both parties added to the initial contract before any work is commenced.  Contractors continuously coming back to homeowners and requesting more money likely are behind paying their subcontractors or are not capable of properly managing their funds.

The Homeowner is Responsible for Pulling the Permit: Beware of any contractor that states the homeowner should pull the project permit in order to lessen the cost of the project.  When this request is made, it can signal the contractor either doesn’t have a license or that it’s been retracted.  The permit holder is the party responsible for the project being code complaint and making any necessary updates to the work to pass inspection.

Same Day Sale Discount: Subpar contractors use this tactic to pressure homeowners into signing a contract before they’ve had the ability to interview anyone else.  They know if they do, you’ll likely sign with another firm.  While material prices can fluctuate over time, construction proposals are typically good for 30 days.

Failure to Operate Under Their Own License Number: Holding a contractor’s license number demonstrates that they’ve passed the required exams and are current on their continuing education credits.  Contractors that have their license revoked can have issues getting it reinstated and may work under the license number of a family member of friend.  Other times, contractors may act as if their license is current, when it may not be.  It’s in your best interests to verify that a contractor’s license is valid by visiting the website of the issuing agency in the state you reside.

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Lindus Construction Reviews:

"Several years ago we hired Lindus Construction to install steel siding, trim, and LeafGuard® Gutters to our older home. They did an excellent job and highly recommend them. The quality has withstood the test of time, and still looks great! Thank you!!"

Marilyn H.
Woodville, WI
October 5, 2019

"I highly recommend Lindus Construction. They provide knowledgeable assessment with options for our consideration. All personnel develop a positive working relationship that goes above and beyond the requirements. Their honesty, communication, expertise, and hard work is exceptional. We have had both LeafGuard® and attic insulation successfully completed by Lindus. We are looking forward to our next project."

Marilyn L.
River Falls, WI
August 23, 2019

"What really makes Lindus a standout company is how they responded to and fixed a roof rainwater leak that developed after their work on our roof – and the leak turned out to have been caused by another company who had been repairing our chimney at about the same time.  They tracked the source of the leak to chimney flashing that was incorrectly installed, Lindus’ employees didn’t hesitate to fix the leak anyway and at no charge to us. To make sure we were satisfied and knew that the rainwater leak had been fixed, they invested many hours in finding and fixing a problem that was not their responsibility. That is a company I will trust, employ in the future and recommend to anyone." 

Bob S.
Marine on St. Croix
July 17, 2019

"From the first phone all to their office, to the person who came to the house and did the inspection and wrote up the estimate, to the people who came and did the work. it was all outstanding. These are hard working honest people who are customer oriented. They were neat and clean and put my needs first. They came in the fall and, because of the weather, could not perform the work until spring. They completely covered my chimney to keep me dry throughout the winter."

Barbara D.
St. Paul, MN
May 31, 2019

"We used Lindus Construction to replace our shingles and we highly recommend their workmanship and professionalism from start to finish!!!"

Dave S.
Maple Grove, MN
May 24, 2019

“Our experience was very good. It is rare these days for a company to go out of its way to help the customer through every step of a major project. The expertise displayed by Jordan Maxon and quality of the installation leadership by Carl Ross and his crew as shown to us was much appreciated. We highly recommend Lindus when asked about who we had do our roof.”

Gary and Loiry A.
Afton, MN
May 11, 2019
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