Project Description
Contractor Fraud: Let Us Help You Fight
Has your contractor taken your money but not delivered the contracted home improvement? Do you think you’re facing home improvement fraud? Did your contractor breach your home improvement contract?
Fraud of any type is frustrating and illegal. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prohibits contractors from taking advantage of consumers and clients through the Home Improvement Consumer Protections Act (HIPCA). If you have experienced contractor fraud, contact a lawyer immediately.
Email a HICPA Lawyer Now
Click below to call or email a lawyer.
What Is Home Improvement Fraud?
When a contractor is hired to complete a home improvement project but fails to do so, either by doing poor work or deliberately charging more without corresponding quality work, this is fraud. Home improvement fraud often damages property and becomes costly for home owners. Rather than accepting contractor fraud, contact a lawyer to pursue your legal rights.
Common Tactics of Contractor Fraud
- Demanding all payment up front in cash
- Lacking the right permit
- Discovering many extra problems which require more work and payment
- Selling extra materials “for a cheap price”
- Ignoring procedures for a final contract
If your contractor has subjected you to one of the above scenarios, it’s possible that you are experiencing contractor fraud. Contractor fraud is illegal. Call a lawyer now for your best options under the HICPA.
Three Ways to Protect Yourself From Contractor Fraud
Even if you are already facing a breach of your home improvement contract, you can still learn how to protect yourself from fraud. These points might even help improve your claim against your fraudulent contractor. But once fraud has occurred, do not hesitate to contact an attorney.
Research, Research, Research
Many cases of fraud occur simply because not enough research was done at the beginning. Don’t just take the contractor’s word for their quality of work. Search for outside sources on this contractor and don’t be fooled by a pristine website.
Written Contracts
Although verbal agreements can be upheld by the law, a written contract is much harder to argue with and therefore a good way to protect your property. Of course, you want to rush into getting the project completed. But, take your time on making sure the contract is correct.
File Away Records
When working on a home improvement project, keep the contract and other important paperwork in a safe place. Also, include any change orders, project correspondence, and job progress photographs. If a problem with the contractor occurs, you have this information to support your claim.
Hire A HICPA Attorney
Whether dealing with a breach of contract, fraud, or defective home improvement repairs, a lawyer guides your situation to the right legal strategy to recover the damages. When a contractor has on-going pattern of fraud, a lawyer recognizes the best way to bring that contractor to justice. A lawyer also searches out the weak points in a contract.
When your contractor fails to uphold their side of the contract, even after you’ve contacted them multiple times, it’s time to contact a lawyer.
1. Gather evidence and information on the contractor agreement.
2. Check into the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act.
3. Speak with a lawyer.
If you have experienced or recognize home improvement fraud, contact a lawyer who will know how to navigate your case and your rights under the law.
Don’t hesitate, talk to an attorney: (412) 626-5626 or lawyer@lawkm.com.
Comments are closed.