Hiring the right contractor can make or break your home project. Whether it’s a new roof, a deck upgrade, or siding replacement, your home deserves high-quality work from professionals you can trust. Unfortunately, not every contractor has your best interest in mind.
Here’s how to spot a shady contractor before they cost you time, money, or worse—your peace of mind.
🚩 1. No License or Insurance
A trustworthy contractor will always have the proper licenses and insurance coverage. If they can’t provide documentation or dance around the question, that’s a huge red flag. Without insurance, you could be liable for any accidents on your property.
🚩 2. Pushy Sales Tactics
If a contractor pressures you into signing a contract right away or uses scare tactics to rush a decision (“Your house won’t survive the next storm unless we fix this now!”), walk away. A professional will give you time to review and ask questions.
🚩 3. Vague or Missing Contracts
No written contract? Run. A shady contractor might avoid putting details in writing to cut corners or change the terms later. Make sure your contract includes pricing, scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty info.
🚩 4. Cash-Only Deals
Be cautious of anyone who demands cash up front or refuses other forms of payment. This can make it nearly impossible to track or dispute charges. Reputable contractors typically accept checks, credit cards, or digital payments.
🚩 5. Too-Good-To-Be-True Pricing
If a bid seems way lower than others, it might not be a bargain—it could be a setup. Cheap pricing often means cheap materials, unlicensed labor, or incomplete work. Always compare quotes and ask questions about what's included.
🚩 6. No Local References or Reviews
Shady contractors often don’t have an online presence or verifiable references. If they can’t show you examples of past work or recent reviews, they may be fly-by-night storm chasers or out-of-town opportunists.
🚩 7. Unmarked Vehicles or No Branding
While not always a deal-breaker, showing up in an unmarked truck with no company name, logo, or business cards could signal a lack of legitimacy. Professionals take pride in their work—and their brand.
🚩 8. Poor Communication or Sketchy Behavior
If they don’t return calls, show up late, or keep changing their story, consider it a warning. Consistent, clear communication is key to a successful project. You should feel respected, not confused or dismissed.
Trust Your Gut—and Do Your Homework
The best way to protect yourself is by doing a little research:
Look up reviews on Google, Yelp, or the BBB
Ask for a list of recent clients you can contact
Check for licenses with your state or municipality
Read the contract thoroughly before signing
🔨 Want a Contractor You Can Trust?
At Hutcherson Construction, we take pride in being the opposite of shady. We’re fully licensed, insured, locally trusted, and transparent every step of the way. From free estimates to crystal-clear service agreements, we’re here to make your project stress-free.
Call us at 269-685-0900 or www.exteriorsbyhutcherson.com to schedule your free estimate today.
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