How to Protect Yourself from Driveway Paving Scam
During these challenging times, people will do all kinds of scams to survive. They want to do business the easy way and fool people. But this is not an ethical solution to hardship and success.
One example is the driveway paving scam.
A paving provider in Newcastle warns residents and future customers of paving scammers that proliferate everywhere. Their modus is to bring their truck, offer their service (with their men in tow) half the fixed price in the market.
Once residents get hooked, they prepare the ground and lay the surface, for example, tarmac, and then get the payment by cash or bank transfer on point.
Why tarmac? Because this is one of the most accessible paving surfaces to install and let dry.
Most of the victims of these paving scammers are the seniors since they can easily be convinced instead of the middle-aged population, who are more inquisitive and are very familiar with these kinds of operations.
How to Spot a Driveway Paving Scam
Who doesn’t want a driveway repair for a low price when what you have in your property is old and worn out?
A typical driveway paving scam is when a scammer offers you a sweet deal that looks irresistible. After that, they go back and say something that you will be compelled to pay instantly or let you pay more for having you believe that they need to get more materials. And in one swoop, they’re gone.
Asks for a downpayment
Once a contractor asks for a downpayment, begin to suspect that there’s something fishy going on. Though down payments are requested after you agree on a job, if their request seems a little upsetting and persisting, they would run away with your money.
Fake contractors will never tell their accurate contact details. If you try to run after them, you will discover that the numbers and email addresses they gave you do not work.
Exaggerates your need for a driveway makeover
Scammers will use their charisma to encourage you that you badly need new paving and that your driveway is a sore in your property. You could be convinced and let them start working on it, especially since they already have their materials and equipment with them.
When they are too aggressive in convincing you, pause and think thousand times even if they promised to give you discounts.
Poor quality
Paving scammers do sloppy work, are in a hurry, and are evasive in answering questions. At first, it seems that they do an excellent job. You won’t notice the poor workmanship until, after days, the driveway paving is starting to wear out, and the base is starting to surface. This means that the layer they poured was too thin and shabby.
Frequent adding up costs
When more and more money is being asked than what is agreed upon, start to suspect that this is a scam alert. The bogus contractor would even argue that they would not complete the project until they paid the additional cost.
Avoid Them Using These Techniques
Get everything in black and white
Always request a written quote. Genuine companies would prepare their quotes for days after a careful discussion of your request.
If you notice this one you are talking to cannot furnish a quote, drop the talk and say no.
Quotes are often free. If you think they are looking for words to explain why they can’t issue a quote, that means they are fishy and bogus contractors.
Don’t indulge in upfronts
When a contractor asks for a downpayment without quotation, say no and let them leave. It is hard to fool these kinds of guys, fly-by-night companies, as they will be gone before dawn.
Never agree to let them start working until everything is arranged
Ask for a contract. A well talked out job request should have a contract. And it is written. If all the works are nailed verbally, there’s no one to blame in the end when the result you expect did not happen.
Ask for referrals and recommendations
The best way to have your driveway fixed is to get the right people. Never talk to strangers, as they say. You can find many legal contractors in your area by knowing how to scout for one.
You can ask your neighbours for referrals. They may know someone to recommend. Or if you spot a neighbour with a fantastic driveway, why not ask that neighbour?
Referrals and recommendations are substantial assets when looking for a legit driveway fitter.
Conclusion
Honest driveway installers will never engage in illegal activities. More often, customers make queries online and seek them according to what the company can offer.
Driveway companies like Newcastle Driveway and Patio Pro have a proven track record of their accomplishments.
If you are keen on getting a new paving project for your home improvement, visit our website and look for the best offers. We often post discounts on our homepage and service page and see the types of pavings we do. For more helpful tips on getting the best driveway and patio and protecting you from fraud, call Newcastle Driveway and Patio Pro. They will be more than happy to help.
