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Pressure to decide fast
"This price is only good today." Real professionals give you time to think and compare. Urgency is a sales tactic.
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A bid that's far too low
If one quote is dramatically under the others, expect cut corners, cheap materials, or change orders that erase the savings.
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Large upfront payment
Asking for most of the cost before work begins is a major risk. Reputable contractors tie payments to milestones.
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No physical business address
No verifiable address, no license number, cash only — these make it hard to hold anyone accountable if things go wrong.
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No written contract
"We'll figure out the details as we go" leaves you with no protection. Everything should be in writing before work starts.
If something feels off, it probably is. Walk away — there is always another contractor, but your home and money are hard to get back.