The state Department of Commerce is reminding Utahns to be cautious about people offering to do driveway paving and other home repair work. Not all of them are honest, the department warns.
One Sugar House resident recently lost $485 on roof repairs her home did not need, according to a statement released by the department."This is very much a seasonal problem," Scott Dansie, acting department director, said in the statement. "These groups move into the state after wintering in warmer states, hit communities one by one and move on - usually before law enforcement or regulatory officials can take any effective action."
Homeowners should ask to see any contractor's license, then verify that the contractor is registered with the department's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing before authorizing any work. The division can be reached at 530-6628.
State investigator Bill Essex said a red flag should go up if residents are approached by workers who claim they "just finished a job down the street," or "just happen to be in the neighborhood."
He said such con artists may perform the work they promise but then demand more money, or do substandard work - or both.