Avoiding home improvement scams

May is National Home Improvement Month.

During times of a softer economy paired with the approach of warmer weather, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) wants to remind homeowners to beware of unscrupulous people posing as remodelers.

One common issue exploited homeowners have run into is having to pay both the contractor and the subcontractors. The homeowner’s financial obligations should only be to the contractor.

Some dishonorable contractors are collecting large upfront payments from residents. When the work has been completed, instead of paying the subcontractors, t...