Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, July 10, 1990 TAG: 9007100045
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Tammy Poole
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
These may be con artists, who go door to door posing as contractors who will do the work for a very low price if they can begin immediately. The end result usually is shoddy workmanship and a much larger bill than the consumer was promised.
For example, the agency said it recently received a complaint from a Richmond resident who was approached by two contractors who said they had just finished a paving job in the neighborhood. They wanted to dump their leftover asphalt on his driveway to get rid of it, and said they would spread it for free.
After the work was under way, the contractor told the consumer that it would cost him $2 a square foot and denied offering to do the job for free a few minutes earlier. In this case, there was no written contract and the consumer had not agreed to pay any money for the job. The consumer felt threatened, however, and was eventually bullied into signing a contract, after the job was done, for $1,100. The contractor demanded a check for that amount on the spot.
Consumers should be wary when approached by unfamiliar contractors offering their services at a very low price, or even for free. Any consumer who has recently hired a contractor and feels he has been taken advantage of should file a complaint with the division. To get a complaint form, call (800) 552-9963.
Consumers who feel physically threatened by a solicitor should call the police immediately. The state agency advises consumers to get the contractor's license number, physical description, or other identifying information.
The division urges consumers to follow the precautionary steps listed below when dealing with an unfamiliar contractor:
Never agree to any work right away. Get at least three estimates before having work done on your home. Prices should be compared carefully before a final decision is made.
If you are interested in the contractor's offer, ask him for his business phone number and address. Call the division at (800) 552-9963 to see if there are any complaints on file against him.
If you do agree to the work being performed, don't let the contractor begin before you get a written contract outlining a description of the work to be done and the final cost. Be sure to read the entire contract before signing it. Never sign a contract with blank spaces that could be filled in later by the solicitor.
Ask to see a license. Contractors doing any job over $1,500 must have a "Class B" contractor's license issued by the Department of Commerce and should carry a pocket card showing the contractor's number and expiration date.
Consumers should remember they have a three-day right of cancellation when purchasing goods or services through door-to-door salespeople, telephone solicitors, or solicitors using other electronic means. The offer must take place at a residence where the seller doesn't live or work. Cancellations must be in writing and mailed or delivered by midnight of the third business day following the sale.
Never pay with cash.
by CNB