LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Nevada State Contractors Board released red flags homeowners should watch out for ahead of summer.
Officials say it’s a time that senior citizens may get taken advantage of. NSCB says to look out for unsolicited offers from door-to-door salesmen and other individuals advertising for inexpensive services on online sites.
The board offered the following tips to consider before hiring a licensed professional for work.
The following tips were provided by the Nevada State Contractors Board in a release:
Landscaping
When it comes to basic landscaping services, such as mowing the grass, trimming plants, etc., a license is generally not required. However, if you’re looking to have irrigation work done, plants installed, walls built, walkways laid, water features added, etc., it’s best to check with the Board first to verify what type of contractor’s license is needed to perform the work.
Swimming Pools & Spas
Building or repairing a pool or spa? Residential pool and spa contractors have additional requirements to further protect you as the consumer. These include limited down payments to $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price, written contracts that include payment and construction schedules, pool plans, scale drawings, and more. If you run into any issues or have further questions, please call our Pool Hotline at (702) 486-1177.
Air Conditioning
Regularly scheduled preventative maintenance appointments will help reduce the risk of needing significant repairs or full unit replacements during the heat of summer. When repairs are needed, don’t hesitate to get other opinions before signing a contract, especially if a new or larger unit is recommended. Obtaining multiple bids provides you greater reassurance and consensus about the scope of work needed to be performed, and helps you gauge if you’re paying a reasonable price for the service.
The Contractors Board is a free public resource and is there to help Nevadans, whether it’s hiring a contractor, filing a complaint, or answering construction-related questions.
To best protect oneself, take note of these warning signs and steer clear of inviting them into your home to perform work:
- Door-to-door solicitors offering “free” home inspections and estimates.
- Someone who has “extra materials” on hand and can begin work immediately, often at a discounted cost.
- Requiring cash-only payments or checks payable to an individual instead of the company they are affiliated with.
- Aggressive sales tactics creating an uncomfortable interaction.
- Company information provided does not match the Board’s license information.
Homeowners can combat these tactics and best ensure they hire a licensed contractor using the following recommendations:
- Always ask for the contractor’s license number. This should be displayed on all contracts, bids, advertisements, company vehicles, and on the contractor’s “pocket ID card.”
- Verify the license number on the Board’s website (www.nscb.nv.gov), mobile application, or by calling the Board’s office (702-486-1100 or 775-688-1141).
- Always verify the information provided on the Board’s license search page matches the contact information provided on the company’s bid, contract, or employee’s business card. If there are any discrepancies with an address, phone number, or company name, contact the company phone number provided on the Board’s license search page and verify the person offering to perform work is a current employee of the business and ensure the company is aware they are soliciting work at your home. This small step can help protect you from becoming victim to fraudulent schemes.
- Try to obtain at least three bids for any service you need performed. This allows you to compare bids, identify what the industry standard might be, and select the company that best meets your needs.
- Remember that the cheapest bid is not always the best. Take time to evaluate bids closely to determine if services or costs were removed when compared to other bids received. These could be added on during the project, or you may receive less than you were expecting.
- Never pay in cash, and only make checks payable to the licensed company.
Visit this link to verify a contractor has a valid license.
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