Westchester homeowners spend thousands — sometimes tens of thousands — on home improvement projects. Hiring the wrong contractor can cost you far more than the original project. Here are 10 warning signs to watch for.
1. They're Not Licensed
Westchester requires all home improvement contractors to be registered with the Department of Consumer Protection. Verify at consumer.westchestergov.com before any other step. Unlicensed contractors have zero accountability.
2. They Want Full Payment Upfront
A legitimate contractor doesn't need your full payment before starting. A reasonable deposit (10-30%) is normal. Full upfront payment is one of the most common setups for contractor fraud — they take the money and disappear or do substandard work.
Questions? Westchester Home Improvements handles everything for you — permits, drawings, construction. Free estimates, no obligation.
📅 Get a Free Estimate3. They Suggest Skipping the Permit
"It'll save you money" is how this pitch sounds. What it means: they're going to do work that may not meet code, you'll have no inspected record of the work, and you'll discover the problem when you sell your home. Always get the permit.
4. No Written Contract
New York State law requires written contracts for home improvement work over $500. If a contractor is resistant to providing a detailed written scope, that's a serious warning sign.
5. Pressure to Sign Immediately
"This price is only good today" is a high-pressure sales tactic. A legitimate contractor will give you time to review the contract and get other quotes. Any contractor who pressures you to sign immediately is using your urgency against you.
6. Unusually Low Bid
If one bid is 40% below two others for the same scope, something is missing — usually quality materials, licensed workers, insurance coverage, or the permit. Low bids often lead to change orders once work begins.
7. No Physical Address or Online Presence
Storm chasers — contractors who appear after storms and disappear after cashing your check — often have no local office, no reviews, and no track record. A legitimate local contractor has an address, reviews, and can provide references.
8. Cash Only
Cash-only requirements often mean the contractor is operating without proper licensing, avoiding taxes, or planning to disappear. Pay by check or credit card — it creates a paper trail.
9. Vague Scope of Work
"Bathroom renovation" is not a scope of work. A proper written scope specifies: what's being demolished, what materials are being used (brand and grade), what's included and excluded, timeline, and payment schedule. Vague contracts protect the contractor, not you.
10. Can't Provide Insurance Certificates
Ask for current general liability and workers' comp certificates before work starts. If a worker gets injured on your property and the contractor has no workers' comp, you could be liable. Legitimate contractors provide insurance certificates without hesitation.