Thinking about home renovations? Va. regulators warning of driveway paving scam

NORFOLK, Va. – The additional time you shell out outside, the additional you may notice that factors need to be preset at your property.

If you happen to be considering having your driveway repaved, don’t belief just any individual with the job.

There are persons who appear to be contractors and go doorway-to-doorway inquiring for your business. They are going to promise good offers and then, usually situations, tumble flat in what point out regulators call the driveway rip-off.

So how does it perform? A “contractor” knocks on your door and suggests they are doing function down the avenue. They’ll place out cracks in your driveway or sidewalk and say since they’re presently in the community, they can give you a discount.

In most circumstances they’re going to as for a big deposit up entrance, in dollars.

Regulators say as soon as the “contractor” has the income, they possibly get started a very little little bit of the work or just disappear, which can leave a homeowner without the need of selections for assist.

Kerri O’Brien will work for the Section of Expert and Occupational Regulation, which is the state division that regulates licensed contractors.

“If you seek the services of an unlicensed contractor and then there is a difficulty, our board might not be in a position to resolve your complaint and that could leave you with very little or no recourse in circumstance some thing goes erroneous,” explained O’Brien.

She explained there are a several matters that you ought to always do when using the services of another person to do operate on your home.

“Get every thing in crafting, get that contract in composing, make confident it includes a get started and end date for the work. You also want to make certain you get any ensures, warranties [or] guarantees from the contractor in creating, and save almost everything,” claimed O’Brien.

Retaining correct documentation aids secure shoppers if they need to have to consider lawful action. DPOR has the electric power to fine, suspend, or revoke a license from a contractor.

DPOR lists 10 ideas for employing a contractor:

1. Check with pals and neighbors for referrals.
2. Get 3 references, review past operate.
3. Get at minimum 3 published estimates. Never instantly go with the most affordable bidder. Talk to for explanations on the selling price versions.
4. Insist on a detailed deal, like agreed-on start and complete dates.
5. Do not depend on verbal agreements. Get all guarantees and warranties in creating.
6. Really don’t fork out for the whole job upfront. Pay out 10% down, or $1,000 whichever is less.
7. Really don’t make your final payment right until you’re satisfied with occupation.
8. Never ever shell out in income.
9. Make certain any variations to the challenge are in creating and signed by you and your contractor.
10. Retain excellent information. Help you save copies of the contract, invoices, modify orders and all correspondence with your contractor.

The state also has a license lookup the place individuals can test if a business is authentic and if there are any other complaints towards them.

If you have been cheated or are obtaining hassle with a contractor not carrying out the work they promised, or any other consumers issues, the Challenge Solvers will search into it for you. E-mail [email protected].