According to the FTC, not all contractors operate within the law. Here are some tip-offs to potential rip-offs.

A less than reputable contractor:

• solicits door-to-door;
  
  
• offers you discounts for finding other customers;
  
  
• just happens to have materials left over from a previous job;
  
  
• only accepts cash payments;
  
  
• asks you to get the required building permits;
  
  
• does not list a business number in the local telephone directory;
  
  
• tells you your job will be a "demonstration"
  
  
• pressures you for an immediate decision;
  
  
• offers exceptionally long guarantees;
  
  
• asks you to pay for the entire job up-front;
  
  
• suggests that you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows.