Contractor bids, licensing, permits, theft, deception, fraud and consumer safety.
Last updated: July 27, 2026 If the home is unsafe now: Leave the area and call 911 for fire, smoke, carbon monoxide symptoms, a gas odor, sparking wires, collapse risk, or another immediate danger. Call the utility emergency line for gas or electric hazards. Do not wait for three estimates when someone could be hurt. … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 If someone is threatening you, will not leave your property, or says you must pay while they stay on the phone: end the call or move to a safe place. Call 911 for an immediate threat, fire, gas leak, live wires, break-in, or danger of collapse. A real grant program … Read more
Last updated: July 27, 2026 If the home is dangerous now: Leave the unsafe area and call 911 for fire, a strong gas smell, sparking wires, collapse risk, threats, or another immediate emergency. Call the utility emergency line for a suspected gas or electrical hazard. Temporary work may be needed, but do not let urgency … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Bottom line: Do not pay the full repair price before the work is done. Use a written contract, a legal and reasonable deposit, and progress payments tied to work you can see. Pay by a traceable method such as a credit card or check when possible. Keep the final payment … Read more
Last updated: July 27, 2026 Bottom Line: A permit is usually required when a repair changes the structure, electrical system, plumbing, gas, heating or cooling system, fire safety, or legal use of a home. Paint, flooring, cabinets, and other surface-only work often do not need one. The final answer comes from the building department for … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Handle immediate danger first If you smell gas, see sparks, hear a carbon monoxide alarm, have floodwater near electricity, see a ceiling or floor starting to collapse, or feel threatened by a worker at your door, move to a safe place. Call 911 or the utility emergency number. Verification can … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 If someone is threatening you, refuses to leave your property, or created an immediate safety danger, call 911. If you smell gas, see sparks, have floodwater near electrical service, or fear part of the home may collapse, leave the danger area and call the appropriate emergency service or utility. Do … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Handle danger first. Leave and call 911 for fire, a gas smell, live wires, collapse risk, threats, or serious injury. Call the utility emergency number for a suspected gas, electric, or water-main problem. Do not stay in danger just to protect paperwork. Bottom line: In an emergency, authorize only the … Read more
Last updated: July 27, 2026 Bottom Line: Do not compare contractor bids by total price alone. First make sure every contractor is pricing the same work. Then compare materials, allowances, exclusions, permits, payment stages, warranty, insurance, and who pays if hidden damage is found. Verify the contractor before you sign, and do not start work … Read more
Last updated: July 27, 2026 A contractor may have taken a deposit, disappeared, abandoned unsafe work, damaged the house, or demanded more money. Act quickly, preserve evidence, and avoid anyone promising guaranteed recovery. Bottom line: Make the home safe, stop pending payments, save every record, contact the contractor in writing, and use the route that … Read more