Making home repairs and renovations can be a stressful process. While most contractors are reputable, there are people who may try to take advantage of your situation. Taking steps to check out the contractor can help you make sure the work is done properly and you are satisfied with the job. SCDCA encourages consumers not to rush into a decision and research a business before paying someone.

Before you sign a contract:

• Get references from friends, neighbors or co-workers.
• Check to see if the business has the proper license. SCDCA's Background a Business page can help consumers find the agency that may license various industries:
• Search SCDCA's complaint database to see how many complaints were filed against a business and how the complaints were handled. If the business is regulated by another state or federal agency, check with that agency for complaints.
• Do an online search. Add the word "complaint" or "scam" after the business name in a search engine and see what issues others may have with the business. Visit the Better Business Bureau's website to search complaints filed with them.
• Ask to see the vendor's business license with the county and/or city.
• Get at least two other bids from contractors.
• Make sure all details are in a written contract and you get a completed copy.
• Need financing? Never agree to financing through your contractor without shopping around and comparing loan terms.
• Trust your gut! If you have any doubts about hiring someone or entering into a contract, take your business elsewhere.

Red flags of a home repair scam:

• The Contractor just shows up at the door. They may say they were just "in the neighborhood" and noticed you need work.
• Do not fall for a discounted deal. Scammers often claim they have left over materials from another job that you can buy cheap.
• Beware of high-pressure sales tactics. Good businesses don't need to rush you into making a decision.
• Be cautious if the contractor only accepts cash. 
• Do not pay in-full before the work is finished.

Repair scams and disputes with contractors can follow major storms and emergency situations. For more information read Beware of Disaster Scams (PDF).  

Consumers are encouraged to contact SCDCA directly with complaints regarding products or services purchased for family or household use. SCDCA processes and mediates consumer complaints against businesses regulated by DCA, refers complaints that fall within another agency’s jurisdiction and mediates those complaints against businesses that are unregulated. To learn about the complaint process, click here. To see if a business has complaints against it, consumers should take advantage of SCDCA's Search Complaints tool.

Think you were scammed? Consumers can file a scam report with SCDCA by either calling 844-TELL-DCA (835-5322) or clicking REPORT A SCAM.