We've all been there. You're just about to sit down to dinner when the doorbell rings. It's a salesperson who's come to sell you home-renovation services.
He says he's noticed your driveway needs re-sealing, or your shingles need replacing, or your foundation needs new parging. And the best part? You're in luck. He'll be in your neighbourhood two weeks from now on another job. He'd be happy to book you in for some work when he's done that job. Heck, he's even willing to offer you a great deal: a 10 per cent rebate on his services and an even deeper discount if you want to pay cash.
If this situation or something like it has ever happened to you -- and chances are good it has, and will happen again -- I urge you to firmly but politely say "no way." Entertaining this guy for even a second longer is a waste of your time and a danger to your wallet.
When it comes to door-to-door sales for construction services, always say no. No matter how urgent the need, no matter how friendly the seller, no matter how sweet the deal. Here are five reasons why you must slam the door on door-to-door construction sales.
1. Good contractors don't need to look for work.
In the construction business, reputation is everything. If you've ever tried to get ahold of a contractor you know is good -- who came highly recommended from a trustworthy source -- chance are, his phone was busy, or the call wasn't answered. Why? Because he was busy working.
The good contractors are always busy. They have great reputations that precede them on every job. So they don't need to advertise or go door to door to get work. Word-of-mouth recommendations bring in all the work they need.
So what does that say about the guy who sells reno services door to door? For one, he's got no reputation that you know of. For another, his phone isn't ringing off the hook. If it were, he wouldn't need to knock on every door in your neighbourhood to drum up work.
2. You don't know who's at your door.
The best con men trick customers into believing anything. They'll carry slick-looking business cards, maybe even photo ID to show just how "official" they are. Don't buy into any of this. With a few basic computer skills and a good-quality printer, anyone can make some official-looking papers.
If you're the slightest bit interested in following up with a door-to-door salesperson, never agree to anything on the spot. Do your homework. Call to see if his company is registered and has a good reputation. And ask for, and check, the contractor's references -- in person, if possible.
A few hours spent digging into a contractor's history will be time well-spent. And if your research turns up suspicious leads or no leads at all, take that as a clear sign to stay well away.
3. They prey on ignorance.
When they sell construction services, door-to-door salespeople will try to overwhelm and confuse. They may try to scare you. They'll say you have a problem and explain the work that needs doing, using as many technical terms as possible. Their aim is to wow you with their supposed knowledge and make you believe your problem must be fixed immediately.
My advice: If you genuinely believe those repairs need to be made, make a note of the seller's suggestions, take his business card and tell him you'll call him for a quote later. Then do your homework. Get a second, third or even fourth opinion from other contractors -- ones you've called yourself. If everyone agrees you have a problem, then it's time to act. But don't take the word of any old door-to-door salesman, just because he sounds knowledgeable.
4. They use high-pressure tactics.
One of the most common tactics the door-to-door renovator uses is the limited-time deal. He's got a great special on his services if you buy now. No, he can't promise you the deal if you call him back tomorrow. It's now or never.
If you hear that line from a salesperson, end the conversation right away. That's a classic high-pressure pitch that's designed to separate you from your money as fast as possible. No reputable contractor will pressure you into buying a service. The good renovators expect you to take time to think about a project and your budget, and make the decision that's best for you. If a seller tries to force you into making an immediate decision, chances are good he's got his best interests in mind, not yours. Walk away.
(The other classic "deal" the door-to-door contractor will offer is a discount for cash sales. That offer is the biggest red flag of all. It's unethical. It's risky. And it's flat-out illegal. If someone offers you a cash discount on construction services, you can safely assume he's not afraid to try other unethical, illegal activities.)
5. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
A renovation job will always cost money when it's done by a professional. So if your house needs work, take time to educate yourself. Understand the job and who's doing it, and what the job should cost to be done right.
-- Postmedia News
Catch Mike on Holmes Inspection, airing Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV. For more information, visit www.hgtv.ca. For more information on home renovations, visitmakeitright.ca
