For most people, the season after winter is spring, but there’s another time for the arrival of warm weather. “Rip off season” is when unscrupulous con men come out of the woodwork, posing as siding contractors or replacement window professionals. They prey on vulnerable adults, particularly seniors, bullying them to pay thousands of dollars for work that isn’t needed and then either disappearing with the funds or doing the work to such a substandard degree that the homeowner is distressed and forced to pay a reputable contractor to do repairs.
If your parents or other aging loved ones live in the South Shore region, there are some steps you can take to help keep them safe. The first key is awareness. Talk to them and let them know this type of con is happening in their region. Reputable siding contractors don’t do door to door sales; they certainly never pound on the door and tell you your home isn’t in compliance with a ‘new building code’ – a common technique cons use to pressure elderly homeowners into handing over their money.
Talk to your parents about the condition of their home. It may be that they’ve been thinking about having replacement windows installed, or having new vinyl siding put on. If that’s the case, you can help them save lots of money and stress by working with them to find a reliable South Shore siding contractor. Getting bids on the job from two or more companies will give your parents a better understanding of what the job will cost and help them make an informed decision.
It’s always a good idea to research a South Shore siding contractor before committing to the job. Check online, as well as with your local Better Business Bureau, to make sure everything’s on the up and up. Many of the fly by night siding contractors don’t even have a website – a sure red flag that they’re not going to be around for long!