Spring Home Improvement Means Scams Too

(Editor's note: Lt. Dave Constantineau with the Muskego Police Department has been featuring the top scams from the Better Business Bureau. After a two-week hiatus, here's the latest installment.)

The top home improvement scam couldn't have come at a better time: with spring approaching, many homeowners start to think about fixing up a room, or how to 'pretty up their outdoor spaces. Always near the top of BBB complaint data are home improvement contractors who often leave one’s home worse than they found it. They usually knock on the front door with a story or a deal – the roofer who can spot some missing shingles on the roof or the paver with some leftover asphalt who can give a great deal on driveway resealing.

The worst are those who move in after a natural disaster, taking advantage of desperate homeowners who need immediate help and may not be as suspicious as they would be under normal circumstances. Find a contractor you can trust at www.bbb.org.

In addition, the City of Muskego requires that anyone soliciting door to door have a permit issued by the city, and have it with them when they solicit. Before you talk to anyone who comes knocking on your door trying to sell you anything, ask to see their permit.

In general, make it a habit to only do business with contractors that you have vetted on your own, checking references and researching with the BBB to see if there is a history of complaints. Someone who just shows up on your doorstep may not always have ill intent, but best practice is to do your homework before anyone works on your home.