LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)– Home improvement scams are performed by con-artist contractors with high pressure sales tactics, upfront fees and fly-by-night businesses.

Keith Kishbaugh, President of Kishbaugh Construction, said he started renovating homes when he was 19 years old, seeing all types of home improvement scams.

“Brickwork, replaced windows, roofing, fascia boards, siding, yard work,” Kishbaugh said.

People are most alert for contractor scams during hurricane season, but it can happen anytime.

“I remember when the flood of 2016 occurred. We went out, and I think we did 30 or 40 houses, where we removed four feet of sheetrock and the entire house,” Kishbaugh said. “And we were charging $3,000 a house. And there were these fly-by-nights, and people were desperate. They were getting $30 and $40,000 for the same thing.”

Kathryn Mobley, Better Business Bureau of Acadiana CEO, said this can happen even without a natural disaster to panic consumers.

Mobley also says that price gauging is one way scammers abuse consumers.

“It’s abuse in a way. You’re getting financially abused,” Mobley said. “Maybe you’re not scammed technically, but maybe you get taken advantage of financially.”

Other scam abuse comes from non-licensed contractors.

“The criteria is simple,” Kishbaugh said. “A license, verification of insurance, a certificate of insurance with general liability and worker’s comp. And call the insurance company to make sure it’s being enforced. A lot of people can produce you a certificate of insurance, but it’s not enforced by any company.”

The consequences of choosing con-artist contractors are clear.

 “They get shoddy work, lose their money or have no warranty,” Kishbaugh said. “The biggest thing is no money up front, and always do your homework. Don’t be in a hurry. There are some really good builders in Lafayette that are worth waiting for.”

Here’s how to avoid home improvement scams:

• Always do research. Never hire a contractor without researching them first, including their reviews. Look for BBB accredited businesses.
• Confirm their license and insurance. Check with state government to confirm a contractor’s license and ask the contractor for proof of insurance.
• Never pay upfront. If they demand full payment before the contract is signed or if they say they need money for materials beforehand, those are signs of a potential scam.

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