Spooky Home Repair Scams

By: Rachel Roberts | Published On: October 31, 2023 | Categories: Certifications, Electrical, Maintenance, Plumbing, Roof

Halloween is upon us, and with that being said, it’s time to dive into the terrors of home repair scams!

Rogue Roofers

Turbulent winds and wild weather are factors that lead to roof damage. Damages include shingles being torn away, or punctures in the roof due to flying debris. Unless significant destruction occurs, the majority of the roof will typically stay intact. Minor repairs in the aftermath prevent further deterioration.

You need a firm understanding of whether or not your roof needs attention, which will require a thorough examination by a professional. Do not fall prey to “roofers” who knock on your door after a storm, declaring you need to have them fix or replace your roof! Make sure that if you are going to have your roof inspected, you should have it done by a company with proper certifications.

Problematic Plumbers

Sometimes the worst comes to pass, and the toilets and drains back up or get clogged. Oftentimes minor issues, such as a single sink or toilet problem, can be a simple fix that doesn’t require tedious hours of work or expensive hardware replacements.

When calling in a plumber, make sure you know what certifications the company holds. When in doubt, do some research to ensure you have the right person on the job. If a small leak occurs or a single toilet gets clogged and yet you find yourself with a lengthy invoice, ask for the itemized list of parts. You must double-check that you are only receiving quality replacement materials. Additionally, you should not receive any charges for more labor than you were expecting.

Shifty HVAC Specialists

Nobody wants to face the day that their HVAC unit gives out- whether that be in the middle of winter or the dead heat of summer. Attempting to formulate the fastest solution can be difficult in these trying times. Knowing the age of your unit is helpful in getting to the core of the problem, as most HVAC units need replacing every 15-20 years.

Let’s say you live in a newly constructed home or you know the most recent unit replacement date. In this case, you have a pretty good idea as to whether or not your HVAC unit is in its prime. When you encounter trouble, you can find a solution without going to the extreme of replacing it altogether. Keep an eye out for unnecessary replacement parts, and ask to see any allegedly “broken” parts.

Know What You’re Paying For

If you have had an inspection with The BrickKicker, your report houses a full list of reputable, trustworthy, and professional contractors in the bottom section, giving you an easy reference point to local pros who can help you out in any situation. If you have not had an inspection, make sure you do some digging into the contractors you hire. We want your house to stay well-maintained just like you do! Don’t catch yourself in a wicked situation.