After a storm or other major weather event, the storm chasers and unscrupulous contracts come out of the woodwork. Many don’t even need a storm to start their grifting operations. Many homeowner will eventually need a roofer, plumber, painter, electrician or a tuckpointer. How do you avoid getting ripped off or getting left with substandard work?

At Massey Tuckpointing, we love an educated consumer. To that end, we’d like to provide you with these miscellaneous tips:

Say NO to any contractor that pressures you to sign a contract right up front, especially if they’re making the claim that the special price is only available if you sign today. Take your time, do your homework, and read over any agreement carefully. If you don’t understand any part of it, ask a professional to take a look. Signing a bad contract or one you don’t understand, can cause major headaches if things go astray.

Refuse to do business with any contractor that doesn’t offer some type of written contract or agreement. Make sure you both sign it. Some less than scrupulous contractors will claim that there’s no need for a contract. If an issue arises and you have no contract, it will make nearly impossible to get restitution.

Does the contractor have references or testimonials? If not, that’s a strong red flag that the contractor is not making happy customers out of his prospects.

Check reviews of contractors on their site, Angie’s List, the BBB, and other reputable websites or resources. If you see more than a few negative comments and they seem to be consistent, avoid this contractor.

Avoid a contractor that asks you do sign over your insurance settlement check to him. Keep that check yourself and make payments as your deem fit.

A contractor asks you to pay the entire cost up front. These is unwise and eliminates any leverage you might have should a contractor become less that consistent or professional. Paying a deposit is completely acceptable as long as it’s no over 50% of the total cost of the project.

The contractor expects final payment before the project is completed. Make sure that final payment is made after you’re happy with and have inspected all work. In many cases in St Louis, inspections may be required to ensure that the work has been done to code.

Finally, avoid any contractor that lacks a verifiable business address.

Remember, Massey Tuckpointing has plenty of references, detailed agreements that document scope of work and prices and we never require all payment upfront or use unscrupulous methods to dupe clients. We are above board, straight forward and vetted. If you need St Louis tuckpointing, we are the trustworthy, ethical professional St. louis contractors you will trust enough to recommend to friends and family.