Contractor Vetting
Seniors lose $$ to bad contractors. Vet carefully.
Find candidates
- Word-of-mouth from neighbors.
- Angi.com — vetted with reviews.
- Thumbtack — local pros.
- HomeAdvisor — verified.
- Nextdoor — neighborhood recs.
- Local hardware stores often know good contractors.
- Avoid door-to-door + unsolicited calls.
Verify essentials
- Licensed — check state contractor board.
- Insured — liability + workers comp. Ask for certificate.
- Bonded — protects you if they vanish.
- 5+ years in business at same address.
- BBB rating — A or A+.
- Reviews — Google, Yelp, BBB. Read recent.
- References — 3 recent jobs you can drive by.
3 quotes ALWAYS
- Get 3 written estimates.
- Same scope of work.
- Compare materials + labor breakdown.
- Suspicious if much lower than others.
- Detailed estimate — not vague "repairs $5,000."
- Cost-only competitive bids on Angi.
Contract MUST include
- Contractor name + license # + address.
- Detailed scope of work.
- Materials list with brands/models.
- Payment schedule.
- Start + completion dates.
- Warranty terms.
- Cleanup + disposal terms.
- 3-day cancellation right (federal law).
- Both signatures.
Payment rules
- NEVER pay 100% upfront.
- Max 1/3 deposit (some states limit to 10% by law).
- Progress payments tied to milestones.
- Withhold final 10% until satisfied.
- Pay by check or credit card (NOT cash/wire).
- Get receipt for every payment.
Senior-targeting scams
- Door-to-door claiming damage you didn't know about.
- "Doing work in neighborhood, special price."
- Pressure for cash + immediate decision.
- Out-of-state license plates.
- No written contract.
- Half-finish + disappear.
- Demand more money mid-job.
- Hang up + slam door is okay.
Senior trusted advocates
Bring family member to estimates + signing — second eyes catch issues. Some Area Agencies on Aging have Senior Companion programs that visit + help review home repairs. State Attorney General handles contractor fraud — file complaint if scammed. Senior helpline: 1-877-908-3360 AARP Fraud Watch.