Better Business Bureau Warns of Spring Time Scams
Email to a friend
Permalink
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
GoLocalWorcester Business Team
The
Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning homeowners of spring home improvement scams that will begin to pop up over the next few months.
Homeowners that are planning to use their tax refunds to cover costs of home remodeling projects are advised to be on the looking for scams.
“Spring is a busy season for home improvement projects. Unfortunately, it also becomes a high season for home improvement scams," said Paula Fleming, spokesperson for the local BBB.
The BBB advises homeowners to be wary of contractors who promise work at discounted prices or are going door to door claiming they're doing work in the neighborhood.
“Before hiring a contractor on the spot, be sure to do your research and check out a business at bbb.org. There are many local contractors that will deliver quality work on time and within budget," said Fleming.
BBB gives the following tips:
- Check Out a Business. Be sure to check out any business before hiring. Here you can view BBB Business Reviews, read complaints and reviews, and find out more information. To find a reputable contractor, check out BBB’s Accredited Business Directory.
- Get Multiple Estimates. Before accepting an estimate, get at least three bids or quotes in writing. Don’t feel pressured to go with the lowest bid, as it might reflect the quality of materials.
- Ask for References. Ask for at least two or three references from the business’s last few jobs and ask questions about the quality of work, if it was within budget and on time, and to the customer’s satisfaction.
- Check Out Licenses. Be sure to check if the business is properly licensed in your state, if applicable. It’s also important that any business you hire is properly insured if working on your home.
- Get Everything in Writing. Do not sign a contract until you have read through it entirely. If you made verbal agreements, they should be included in the written contract. Any deposit or payment plans should be included, as well as, any warranties or guarantees.
For more information, click here.
Related Slideshow: Massachusetts Business Rankings
See how Massachusetts stacked up.
Prev
Next
WalletHub
Massachusetts has 2015's 28th highest insurance premium penalties for high risk drivers, according to a WalletHub report.
Mass is behind Colorado and New Mexico who come in at 26 and 27 spots respectively while Mass is ahead of Tennessee and the District of Columbia who rank 29 and 30 respectively.
Massachusetts ranks 14th overall in the category of DUI conviction annual premium increase with an amount of $756.
Massachusetts ranks 20th overall in the category of speeding over 20 mph annual premium increase with a total of $261 while ranking 21 overall in the category of two accidents annual premium increase with a total of $1,364.
Prev
Next
WalletHub
Massachusetts has been ranked as the 5th most eco-friendly state in the country, according to a recent study by WalletHub.
Mass ranks tenth in environmental quality and fourth in Eco-Friendly Behaviors landing them in 8th overall.
Mass is behind Minnesota and New York who are in the fourth and third spots respectively, and in front of Washington and New Hampshire who come in at the six and seven spots.
Prev
Next
The Economist
Small Business Friendliness Grade: D+
The Economist grades states on an A+ to F grading scale for its small business climate. Massachusetts ranks near the bottom of the nation, joining New Mexico and New York in receiving D+ grades. 9 states scored worse than a D+ in the Economist rankings.
Overbearing bureaucracy and excessive licensing is stifling small business in America.
Read More About The Economist Grade Here
Prev
Next
CNBC
#25 CNBC
CNBC ranks each state in cost of doing business, economy, technology and innovation.
Massachusetts' unemployment rate as of May 2014 was 5.6 percent. The state added 9,100 jobs in the month of May.
Read More About CNBC Ranking Here
Prev
Next
Forbes
#13 Forbes
Forbes ranks each state in business costs, economic climate, and growth prospects.
The most damning in the commentary:
Massachusetts’ business costs, including labor, energy and taxes, are the highest of the 48 contiguous states—only Hawaii is higher—at 20% above the national average.
Read More About Forbes Ranking Here
Prev
Next
ChiefExecutive.net
#47 ChiefExecutive.net
ChiefExecutive.net ranks each state in taxations and regulations, workforce quality, and living environment.
The most damning in the commentary:
Taxation and regulation are always the key barometers. Massachusetts and Oregon are the worst.
Read More About ChiefExecutive.net Ranking Here
Prev
Next
Wallet Hub
#10 Wallet Hub
Wallet Hub ranks each state in ROI rank, state tax rank, and overall government services.
Massachusetts ranked #49 in worst roads and bridges, but ranked #7 in overall government services.
Read More About Wallet Hub Ranking Here
Prev
Next
ALEC
#41 ALEC
ALEC ranks each state in economic performance and outlook.
Although Massachusetts ranked low in economic performance, a forward-looking forecast is based on the state’s standing in 15 important state policy variables. Some of these variables include top marginal personal income tax rate and sales tax burden.
Read More About ALEC Ranking Here
Prev
Next
Kauffman Foundation
#29 Kauffman Foundation
Kauffman Foundation ranks each state in entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurial activity generally is highest in Western and Southern states
and lowest in Midwestern and Northeastern states.
Read More About Kauffman Foundation Ranking Here
Prev
Next
Free Enterprise
#18 Free Enterprise
Free Enterprise ranks each state in performance, exports, innovation + entrepreneurship, business climate, talent pipeline, infrastructure.
Massachusetts's reputation as a hotspot for science and technology endures in this year's rankings. The commonwealth is a center for STEM jobs and university research and development, ranking 4th and 2nd, respectively, in those two categories. It also ranks 6th as a center for high-tech establishments. Massachusetts is taking aggressive steps to bolster economic activity with high-impact university-industry R&D projects and new tools for tech-based startup companies.
Read More About Free Enterprise Ranking Here
Related Articles
Enjoy this post? Share it with others.
Email to a friend
Permalink
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It