Three For Thursday 10.29.2020
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Who is the president of your homeowner's association? Who are the board members? Chances are you don't know, unless you've had a run in. If so, you probably asked yourself, "who in the world voted these people on the board?" The answer is - people who were willing to get involved. I get complaints about HOA's almost as often as used cars and in every case, the person complaining ignored the board until it personally affected them. The same is true in government. Less than 10% of Americans contribute to political parties or politicians, and four years ago, 42% of eligible voters didn't. Oddly enough, it seems like 100% have strong opinions of who to vote for. My point is this, don't complain about your HOA unless you're willing to get involved. If you have the right to vote between now and Tuesday, please do so.
Watch this Investigation
Watch this investigation
Ask Dale
Today's Real Consumer Question is from Michael, who asks:"Dale, my wife and I have hired a TrustDALE certified contractor for a home remodeling project, but with Covid 19, we're having second thoughts about proceeding. What are your thoughts?"
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson on hiring specialty project contractor, like a cabinet maker (see above) or a door refinishing specialist.
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Never pay more than fifty percent in advance for a project - and get a firm written delivery date for materials.
Funds - - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? If not, it's likely too good to be true. If insurance is involved, some contractors will offer to "bury" your deductible in the price of the written project then rebate it to you and the end of the project. If they're willing to cut corners and break the law, where else will they cut corners that you won't see?
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. This is why it is vitally important to have a real company or contractor's address and a firm written agreement before agreeing to a project.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract and an Effective Guarantee.Some contractors want to work from nothing more than a "friendly handshake." Don't make that mistake. Insist on an itemized contract with timelines (and if possible, late penalties.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking Reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Too many consumers ask for references, then fail to check them. Don't take this shortcut to dissatisfaction!
Legitimize your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. I just did a story on a family that hired a gutter contractor to build a deck simply because they were from the same hometown! Big mistake. Check their record in small claims court in the county where they're based.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS