Barrow Resident Warns Neighbors of Possible Scam

James Farnsworth says that with the number of older famers who live in Barrow County, residents need to know about a possible scam.

The alleged scam targets homeowners who have structures with metal roofing. Farnsworth said a man came to his father's Winder farm offering a quote on applying an epoxy-type coating to seal small holes and stop rust on metal roofing on three buildings. The contractor, who claimed to have just moved to Lawrenceville, gave a quote for the job. When his father, Homer Dobbs, said the price was too high and asked the contractor to leave a business card, the man said he had just completed a job nearby and had product left over that would harden if not used — which would mean a discount for Mr. Dobbs if the work could be done that day. Mr. Dobbs agreed to the price but didn't get what he was promised. Farnsworth said the two workers who were sent to do the work didn't remove rust and leaves and used some kind of mixture that didn't do the job. 

When speaking with the painting and roof coating contractor who had promised the services didn't result in questions being answered, Farnsworth contacted the Better Business Bureau and several media outlets. 

The BBB advises homeowners to be wary of door-to-door workers who claim to have left-over materials from a job “down the street” or who do not have a permanent place of business.

The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips when hiring a contractor to work on your home: 

• Be picky and have lots of options. Seek at least three bids from prospective contractors based on the same specifications, materials and labor needed to complete the project. Homeowners should discuss bids in detail with each contractor and ask questions about variations in pricing. The lowest-priced contractor may not be the best.  
• Make sure they are certified and insured. Consumers should ask whether the company is insured against claims covering workers’ compensation, property damage and personal liability in case of accidents. Consumers should obtain the name of the insurance carrier and call to verify coverage. Ask whether the contractor meets licensing and bonding requirements set by the state, county or city. Check with local authorities to find out whether permits are needed before proceeding with the work. The contractor also should be aware of any required permits. 
• Get everything in writing. Ask whether the contractor will provide a lien waiver upon completion of the job. A lien waiver is a statement by the contractor that all suppliers and subcontractors have been paid for their work. Read and understand the contract before signing. Get all verbal promises in writing. Include start and completion dates in the contract.
• Remember the rule of thirds and follow it.  Pay one third at the start of the project, one third when work is 50 percent completed and one third after completion.

Have you been approached by contractors going door-to-door offering to seal metal roofing? Have you been the victim of any other possible scams? Tell us in comments. 

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