Sooner or later, your home will need major improvements. After all, roofs, driveways, siding and other structural elements aren’t meant to last forever. The question is: How can you find the right contractor to fix these issues when they arise?

This isn’t as easy as it sounds. While most contractors and vendors are upfront and honest with homeowners, some are running scams. “These frauds use a variety of schemes but share one thing in common: They aim to get your money,” notes a recent article in The Costco Connection.

How can you take care of your home and avoid being swindled at the same time? The Costco Connection warns homeowners to be on alert if a contractor or vendor:

• Asks you to pay the whole fee up front and in cash
• Doesn’t have an online presence or business address
• Offers you a discount if you will refer other customers to the company
• Tells you it’s your responsibility to get any required building permits
• Offers rates that seem too good to be true
• Pressures you to act quickly, either to receive a discount or by telling you that if you don’t make repairs quickly, your safety is at risk.
• Comes to your door unsolicited
• Talks fast, as if trying to confuse you
• Tries to get you to sign contracts or paperwork without giving you time to read them over
• Offers you a deal on materials that were left over from another job