We’ve been in the home services industry for 9 years. We’ve seen every scam, every red flag, every “seemed legit at first” disaster.

Here are the eight things shady contractors say—and what they’re REALLY telling you.

Red Flag 1: “We’re in Your Neighborhood Today, Noticed Your Roof…”

Translation: “We’re door-knocking randoms hoping to find someone who doesn’t know better.”

Legitimate contractors don’t need to cold-knock. They’re booked out weeks or months. The only people driving around looking for work are:

• Unlicensed contractors who can’t get jobs through normal channels
• Storm chasers who follow weather events and disappear after taking deposits
• People running the “unnecessary repair” scam

What legitimate pros say instead: Nothing. They don’t come to you. You find them through referrals, reviews, or when you call them.

Red Flag 2: “I Can Give You a Discount If You Pay Cash”

Translation: “I’m committing tax fraud and you’re my accomplice.”

Here’s what “cash discount” really means:

• No paper trail (good luck proving they did bad work)
• No insurance (if they get hurt on your property, YOU’RE liable)
• No warranty (they’ll ghost you if something breaks)
• No recourse (can’t dispute charges or get refunds)

The “discount” is them pocketing the tax money they’re supposed to pay. But you lose all consumer protections.

Worst case scenario: Worker falls off your roof. No workers’ comp insurance. Your homeowner’s insurance ends up covering their medical bills. Premiums skyrocket. All to save $300.

Not worth it.

Red Flag 3: “We Need 50% Down to Order Materials”

Translation: “I’m running a scam or my business is broke.”

Legitimate contractors have credit with suppliers. They don’t need YOUR money to buy materials upfront. The industry standard is:

• 10-15% deposit to secure your spot on the schedule
• Progress payments as work is completed
• Final payment upon completion and your approval

Anyone asking for 50%+ upfront is either:

1. Using your money to finish someone else’s job (Ponzi scheme)
2. Planning to take your money and disappear
3. So financially unstable they can’t operate properly

Red Flag 4: “Don’t Worry About Permits, We Do This All the Time”

Translation: “When this breaks or the city finds out, you’re the one who’s screwed.”

Permits exist for a reason. They ensure work is done to code, inspected by someone neutral, and documented.

When contractors skip permits:

• YOU’RE liable if code violations are found later (when you sell, refinance, or file insurance claim)
• City can force you to tear out unpermitted work (yes, even if you paid for it)
• Insurance won’t cover damage from unpermitted electrical, plumbing, or structural work
• Resale value tanks when disclosures reveal unpermitted work

The contractor saves time and money. You inherit the legal and financial risk.

Jobs that ALWAYS need permits:

• Electrical work (anything beyond replacing outlets)
• Plumbing work (new lines, relocating fixtures)
• Structural changes (removing walls, adding supports)
• Roofing work (most jurisdictions)
• HVAC installation or major repairs

At AL Home Services, we pull permits for everything that needs one. Yeah, it adds time. But it protects YOU.

Red Flag 5: “We Don’t Carry Insurance—It’s Too Expensive”

Translation: “If I hurt myself or damage your house, you’re paying for it.”

Legitimate contractors carry two types of insurance:

1. General liability (covers property damage they cause)
2. Workers’ compensation (covers injuries to their employees)

If they don’t have these, guess whose insurance pays when something goes wrong? Yours.

Before hiring anyone, ask for:

• Certificate of insurance (not just “we’re insured”—actual proof)
• License number (verify at your state’s licensing board website)
• References from jobs completed in the past 6 months

Red Flag 6: “We Found Additional Damage—It’ll Cost Another $4,000”

Translation (usually): “We underbid to get the job, now we’re trying to make up the difference.”

Sometimes “additional damage” is real. Contractors open walls and find stuff that wasn’t visible.

But if it happens on EVERY job, or the “damage” is conveniently discovered after they’ve started (making it expensive to fire them), you’re being scammed.

Legitimate contractors:

• Do thorough inspections BEFORE quoting
• Build contingencies into estimates for common surprises
• Show you the “damage” and explain why it needs fixing
• Give you options (fix now vs. fix later vs. acceptable workaround)

Scammer contractors:

• Give lowball quotes to beat competitors
• “Discover” problems after they’ve started work
• Pressure you to approve extras immediately
• Threaten to stop work if you don’t pay more

Red Flag 7: “Reviews? Don’t Trust Those—Competitors Post Fake Bad Reviews”

Translation: “I have bad reviews and I’m trying to discredit them preemptively.”

Yes, fake reviews exist. But legitimate contractors with bad reviews don’t blame competitors—they acknowledge past issues and explain what they’ve changed.

When you check reviews, look for:

• Detailed reviews with specific project info (not just “great work!”)
• Photos in reviews (harder to fake)
• Response to negative reviews (good contractors address complaints professionally)
• Reviews across multiple platforms (Google, Yelp, Angi, BBB)

If someone has 50+ reviews averaging 4.5+ stars across platforms, those are real.

Red Flag 8: “The Job Will Take 2 Days” (For Something That Takes 5-7)

Translation: “I’m telling you what you want to hear so you’ll hire me.”

Unrealistic timelines are a red flag. Good contractors give realistic estimates, even if it’s not what you want to hear.

If someone promises way faster completion, they’re either lying or planning to rush (which means poor quality).

What Good Contractors Actually Say

For contrast, here’s what legitimate, professional contractors sound like:

• “Let me inspect first, then I’ll give you a detailed quote” (not a ballpark over the phone)
• “Here’s my license number and insurance certificate” (offered without you asking)
• “The permit will add a week to the timeline” (honest about reality)
• “I can start in 3 weeks” (busy contractors aren’t desperate for work)
• “Here are three options at different price points” (gives you choices, not pressure)

Hire Contractors Who Actually Show Up (And Finish the Job)

Our services: Roofing • Garage door repair • Air duct cleaning • Insulation • All services