A great contractor makes your home better. A shady one can make your life miserable.

Hiring the wrong contractor can lead to unfinished jobs, poor workmanship, or even fraud. Unfortunately, we’ve seen too many homeowners deal with problems that could have been avoided with a few simple checks.

On The STAN’dard Podcast, our team shared how to protect yourself before you sign any contract or hand over a deposit.

🚩 1. They Offer a “Too Good to Be True” Price

If a contractor quotes you a price far lower than everyone else, that’s a major red flag. It often means they plan to cut corners, use low-quality materials, or hit you with surprise costs later.

Pro Tip from Stan’s: Always get multiple estimates and ask for a detailed breakdown of labor, materials, and timelines.

📜 2. They Won’t Provide Proof of Insurance or Licensing

Every legitimate contractor should have proper insurance and a business license. These protect both you and the workers on your property.

Pro Tip from Stan’s: Ask to see proof of insurance before any work begins. If they hesitate or make excuses, move on immediately.

💰 3. They Ask for a Large Upfront Payment

A small deposit is standard, but if a contractor demands half or more of the total cost upfront, that’s a warning sign. Some take the money and never return.

Rule of Thumb: Reputable contractors collect fair deposits and payment as progress is made, not all at once.

🏃 4. They Pressure You to Sign Right Away

If someone is rushing you to “sign today or lose the deal,” be cautious. Ethical contractors give you time to think, review the estimate, and ask questions.

Pro Tip from Stan’s: Real professionals rely on quality and reputation, not pressure tactics.

🕵️ 5. They Avoid Written Agreements

Every job, no matter how small, should come with a clear written contract that outlines scope, materials, costs, and timeline.

Pro Tip from Stan’s: A handshake is great, but a contract protects both sides. Read everything carefully before signing.

💬 Pro Tip from Stan’s

Do your research. Check online reviews, visit their social media pages, and ask for references. A reputable company will be proud to share their work and reputation. At Stan’s, we encourage homeowners to do their homework — because we know it builds trust.

🎧 From The STAN’dard Podcast

Want to hear real stories of homeowners who spotted red flags in time — and how to avoid contractor scams?

👉 Listen to “How to Spot a Shady Contractor” on Spotify or YouTube.

🛠 Trust the Team That’s Been Doing It Right for 58 Years

At Stan’s Roofing, Siding, Decks & Unlimited Basements, we have built our reputation on honesty, craftsmanship, and reliability since 1967.

📞 (708) 448-4100 | 🌐 www.stansroofingandsiding.com

Proudly serving Romeoville, IL, and surrounding communities for 58 years.