Beware of Paving-Contractor Scams

Earlier-than-usual insect infestations aren't the only danger of the warm spring. According to the state Department of Consumer Protection, the nice weather has also signalled the arrival of sketchy paving contractors to the state.

“Spring and summer are prime seasons for bogus door-to-door offers, so consumers need to be wary,” Commissioner William R. Rubenstein said. “We’ve learned that traveling pavers have already started their rounds in the state, and more fly-by-night operators offering chimney repair and magazine sales can’t be far behind.  It’s important that consumers be extra careful and vigilant. Don’t let anyone in your home for any reason unless you’re sure you know who they are — scammers have been known to commit burglaries if given the opportunity.”

 According to the DCP, bargain-minded consumers are usually targeted by traveling pavers who visit the Northeast offering low-priced but inferior paving and sealing services. They often drive unmarked trucks and vans and pitch "leftover" asphalt from nearby jobs that they're willing to discount for you. Often, they'll ask for payment in cash or a check made out to cash.

These less-than-honest pavers usually are hard for police to catch up with, striking in one area then moving to a different area to avoid detection. But the DCP and local police departments share information and collaborate in tracking these unscrupulous contractors, and they encourage consumers to call local authorities if they are targeted.

Here's some tips from the DCP on how to deal with the problem:

• Find a local paving contractor if your driveway needs repair. Don’t fall for pitches delivered door to door. 
• Verify that the contractor you hire is registered in Connecticut as a home improvement contractor by contacting the Department of Consumer Protection.
• Get the contractor’s certificates of insurance liability and workman’s compensation coverage from the contractor’s insurance provider.
• Check with your town for any required permits, and have them in place before work begins.
• Have your contractor provide all warranties in writing.
• Always get a signed and dated contract for paving work, since it will protect you from potential damages or misunderstandings. According to state law, the following must be included in writing:
  o   the date the contract was signed
  o   a start date and end date for the job
  o   the price, (you can request that labor and materials be broken out separately)
  o   the contractor’s name, address and home improvement contractor number
  o   a 3-day Notice of Cancellation that allows you 72 hours to change your mind, along with clear instructions on how to contact the company to cancel that contract.

“Since the law gives homeowners three days to change their mind, no work should start until at least three days after a contract is signed,” Rubenstein said. “Don’t be pressured by anyone who needs to start right away.”

To verify a contractor’s registration, please call the Department of Consumer Protection at (860) 713-6110, toll-free at 1-800-842-2649, or visit the agency website at www.ct.gov/dcp.