Now that Texas permits home equity loans, the number of people offering such loans to make improvements on your home is skyrocketing. Unfortunately, for every honest contractor there is also a crook, and many home improvement contracts give the contractor a lien on your house that allows the contractor to foreclose if he is not paid. Before signing on the dotted line, remember the following:

• Be wary of a salesman who comes to your home uninvited, especially if he claims he was doing some work for your neighbor or was just "in the neighborhood."
• Ask for references, with names and telephone numbers--nothing drives away a swindler quicker than a request for references.
• Beware the low-ball bids or offers that seem too good to be true, because they usually are.
• Beware of people who ask for a large "deposit" or ask to be paid in full before the work is done.
• Read everything carefully before you sign it, and make sure you understand all of the terms.
• Do not sign a contract with blanks in it.
• Beware of a salesman who claims that his offer is for a "limited time" or is "today only," especially where he is pressuring you to sign before you have read the contract.

If you've been the victim of a home improvement scam, Contact the STREET LAW FIRM immediately for a free case analysis. 

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