As a homeowner, you may need to hire a handyman for various repair and maintenance tasks around your home. While most handymen are honest and provide quality workmanship, there are some who may try to scam you.
Here are some common scams that you should be aware of, and how to avoid them:
- The “bait and switch” scam. This is when a handyman offers a low price for a job, but then tries to upsell you on additional work once they’ve started. Be sure to get a written estimate for any work to be done, and don’t agree to anything beyond the scope of the original job.
- The “low-quality” scam. This is when a handyman does a subpar job, and then tries to get you to pay for it anyway. Be sure to inspect the workmanship before paying, and don’t hesitate to ask for a refund or redo if you’re not satisfied.
- The “inflated invoice” scam. This is when a handyman charges you more than the agreed-upon price, often by adding on hidden fees. Be sure to get a written estimate that includes all costs before work begins, so you know exactly what you’ll be paying.
- The “unauthorised work” scam. This is when a handyman does work that you didn’t authorise, and then tries to get you to pay for it. Be sure to only give the go-ahead for work that you’ve agreed to in advance, and don’t pay for anything beyond that.
- The “non-existent problem” scam. This is when a local handyman services in West Chester there’s a problem with your home that doesn’t actually exist, and then tries to sell you a solution. Be sure to get a second opinion before agreeing to any work, and don’t pay for anything until the problem has been verified.
If you’re ever in doubt about a handyman’s intentions, it’s best to err on the side of caution and find someone else to do the job. By being aware of these common scams, you can avoid becoming a victim and keep your home in good repair.
As a homeowner, you need to be aware of common handyman scams so that you can avoid them. The most common scams include the bait and switch, low-quality work, inflated invoices, unauthorised work, and non-existent problems. If you’re ever in doubt about a handyman’s intentions, it’s best to find someone else to do the job.