Home renovations usually start on a high note. Maybe you’re finally updating the kitchen, fixing the bathroom, replacing an old roof, or tackling repairs you’ve been putting off. Once you’ve decided to get started, it can be tempting to hire the first contractor who seems friendly, experienced, and ready to begin.

That’s where homeowners can get into trouble.

Renovation scams don’t always look like scams. The person may have a professional-looking website, a convincing pitch, or an answer for every question you ask. Some may offer a great deal or insist that you need to make a decision right away.

By the time something feels off, you could already have thousands of dollars tied up in a project that’s barely started.

Taking some time to check a contractor, get everything in writing, and question anything that doesn’t seem right can save you a lot of money and aggravation. Here are 10 renovation scams and tactics homeowners should watch for.

Deposit Scam

A deposit isn’t unusual for a renovation project. The problem starts when a contractor asks for a large amount of money before doing much, if any, work.

A scammer may take the deposit and disappear. Another possibility is that they start the project, do a small amount of work, and then stop showing up.

Be careful with large upfront payments. A better setup is to have payments tied to clear stages of the project, with the payment schedule written into the contract.

Lowball Estimate Scam

A very cheap estimate can be hard to pass up, especially when other contractors are quoting much more.

The trouble is that the low price may be little more than a way to get the job. Once work begins, the contractor starts finding supposedly unexpected problems and adds one charge after another.

Before hiring anyone, get several written estimates and compare what each one includes. Ask questions about anything that seems far below the other bids. A cheap quote isn’t always a cheap renovation.

Insurance Repair Scam

Storms and other disasters can bring plenty of legitimate contractors into an area, but they can also attract scammers looking for homeowners who need repairs quickly.

Someone may knock on your door, offer to handle the repairs and insurance paperwork, and ask you to sign over an insurance payment. That can leave you with very little control over the money or the work.

Be cautious with anyone who shows up unexpectedly after a storm and pressures you to make a quick decision. Contact your insurance company yourself and check a contractor’s credentials before agreeing to anything.

Fake Company Scam

A contractor can look legitimate online without actually being an established local business.

Scammers can create professional-looking websites, use made-up reviews, or choose a business name that’s very close to a real company. A polished website doesn’t tell you much about the person actually standing at your door.

Before signing a contract, check the contractor’s license through your state’s official licensing agency when licensing is required for the work. Look for a verifiable business address and phone number, and check that the company has a real history of completed projects.

Handshake Deal Scam

“I’ll take care of everything” might sound reassuring, but a verbal agreement won’t do much for you if there’s a disagreement later.

Without a written contract, it can be difficult to prove what you agreed to pay, which materials were supposed to be used, when the work was supposed to be finished, or who was responsible for certain costs.

Get the details in writing before work starts. The contract should spell out the price, scope of work, materials, payment schedule, and other important terms. If someone refuses to put the agreement in writing, that’s a good reason to walk away.

Door-to-Door Contractor Scam

A contractor knocking on your door after a storm and saying they happen to be working in the neighborhood can sound convenient. They may even claim they have leftover materials and can give you a special price.

The pressure often comes next. You may be told the offer is only available that day or that the damage needs to be repaired immediately.

Don’t let a stranger’s urgency make the decision for you. Get the contractor’s information, check their credentials, and get other estimates before agreeing to work.

Home Improvement Loan Scam

Renovation costs can add up quickly, which makes promises of easy financing appealing.

A scammer may offer a quick home improvement loan with a low interest rate and little paperwork. The paperwork can contain fees or terms you weren’t expecting, or the contractor may take the loan proceeds and fail to complete the project.

If you need financing, look at options through established banks, credit unions, or other reputable lenders. Read the loan agreement carefully before signing and make sure you know the total cost of borrowing.

Free Inspection Scam

“Free inspection” sounds like a helpful offer, but it can become a sales pitch if the person uses the visit to claim your home has serious problems.

You might be told that your roof, foundation, electrical system, plumbing, or another part of the house needs immediate work. The contractor may then push you to sign a contract before you have time to get another opinion.

If someone says you need expensive repairs, get a second inspection or estimate from an independent professional before spending the money.

Change Order Scam

Renovation projects sometimes uncover real problems. A wall may hide water damage, old wiring may need to be replaced, or materials may turn out to cost more than expected.

The problem is when a contractor starts adding charges that don’t seem justified or uses repeated change orders to push the final price far beyond the original agreement.

Ask what caused the extra cost and request the details in writing. Don’t approve additional work just because you’re told it’s necessary. If the explanation doesn’t make sense, get another opinion before agreeing to pay more.

Fake Invoice Scam

You can have a legitimate contractor and still end up with billing problems.

An invoice might include duplicate charges, materials that were never used, hours that weren’t worked, or services that weren’t part of the agreement. These mistakes can be difficult to catch if you’re paying bills without looking closely.

Keep your contract, receipts, invoices, and payment records together. Compare each bill with the work that was actually completed and the materials that were purchased.

If something doesn’t match, ask about it before paying. A clear paper trail makes it much easier to spot billing problems and settle disagreements.