AG Kane warns of home improvement scams

Updated: Friday, April 11 2014, 01:10 PM CDT Attorney General Kathleen Kane is warning consumers to be aware of home improvement scams.

According to the Office of Attorney General, there is typically an influx of 'transient' contractors offering to paint homes or pave driveways each spring. Kane says the contractors claim to be in the area with excess paving or sealing material and offer to repair or protect a homeowner's driveway.

In many cases, the materials are inferior and the work performed is shoddy, forcing consumers to pay someone else to correct the job, a press release said.

Homeowners are encouraged to check with the Office of Attorney General to verify contractor registration. In addition, consumers should also contact the Better Business Bureau, check the contractors' references and obtain multiple estimates.

The Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection offers the following tips for consumers: Do not let anybody rush you into a home improvement project. Do not do business with contractors who appear at your door unexpectedly and point out problems with your home or offer a "good deal" on repair work. Do not allow any contractor, utility company or "inspector" in your home without confirming their identity. Homeowners, especially senior citizens, should rely on family, friends or neighbors for assistance in hiring a home improvement contractor. Make sure you have a written contract explaining guarantees, warranties, the price of labor/materials and the contractor's registration number and contact information.

All home improvement contracts must contain the Office of Attorney General's toll-free HICPA number, 1-888-520-6680, which consumers can call to verify whether a contractor is registered. AG Kane warns of home improvement scams

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AG Kane warns of home improvement scams