Don't fall for these seasonal home improvement scams, BBB warns

CHICAGO (WGN) — While temperatures across Chicagoland remain summer-like, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning homeowners not to fall for some seasonal scams during the months of autumn.

“Fall is a prime season for home improvement scams,” said Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the BBB.

As temperatures shift from air conditioning to heating, the BBB says furnace inspections and tune-ups are in high demand, and as such, a target of scammers to push fake or overpriced services.

What are some typical home improvement scams?

• Chimney/Roof Repairs – Scammers disguised as chimney sweeps will tell you that your chimney needs to be inspected and then use hard-sell tactics to get you to make expensive, unnecessary repairs.
• Fake energy audits and furnace checkups – The BBB warns against letting anyone into your home unless you contact and verify them ahead of time. Also, beware of unsolicited knocks on your door.
• Gutter Cleaning – Fraudulent gutter cleaners target the elderly or those who are unable to clean their gutters easily. Scammers will claim they have worked in the neighborhood before and quote you a very low estimate in return for shoddy, incomplete work. 
• Energy Audits/Door-to-Door Furnace Repairs – Many scammers offer a “free” energy audit to reduce heating costs, claiming to be a representative from your local utility company. They insist on costly upgrades for your attics, such as solar blankets or insulation, and may or may not burglarize your home while conducting the audit. 
• Ductwork Cleaning – Ductwork cleaning is rarely a necessity, so take caution. Scammers are known to damage your heating system while cleaning, resulting in additional repair costs. This damage may also create indoor air hazards. 
• Snow Removal Services – Homeowners pay upfront, and either the fraudsters take the money and run or have you sign a contract that allows them to add expensive extras.

How do the scammers operate?

• Show up at your door unexpectedly – if this occurs, never let anyone in your home that you don’t know. 
• Quickly point out the problem they say needs repair without much inspection.  
• Say they have leftover materials from a project they just finished nearby.  
• Offer unbelievably low prices. 
• Only accept cash or a check. 
• Promise an unconditional guarantee on the work. 
• Push to start work immediately. 

“It’s not unusual for scam contractors to show up uninvited at your doorstep,” Barnas said. “They’ll claim they’re working nearby and noticed your home needs repairs—maybe a new roof, driveway repaving, or other renovations. They’ll quote a price that sounds too good to be true. And often, it is.”

As a reminder, the BBB offers a free “Get A Quote” referral service to help connect consumers with trustworthy businesses.

The BBB also recommends that homeowners check its website for contractor ratings and reviews, verify references, obtain a written contract (Illinois law requires that contractors provide a written agreement for any project over $1,000), and make payment only after reviewing the contract.