BBB offers tips on navigating home shows and expos this winter season

As winter chills the air, homeowners eagerly anticipate the arrival of popular home shows and home expos at local convention centers.

These events showcase the latest trends in home improvement and remodeling, offering a wealth of information and inspiration. Proper preparation before attending can save you time and trouble, the Better Business Bureau says.

If you’re planning a home project, attending a home show is an excellent way to explore new products and features to enhance your home, inside and out. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides tips to help you secure the best deals and avoid potential pitfalls. Also, there are specific concerns to be aware of.

“With hundreds of vendors and contractors offering their services and products in one convenient location, home shows provide an excellent opportunity for one-stop shopping,” said Steve J. Bernas, BBB president and CEO. “However, it’s important to be cautious of substandard vendors and high-pressure sales tactics. Doing homework, you can identify reputable vendors and avoid less reliable ones.”

Because home shows can become overwhelming with so many vendors and products, have a plan before you go. Prioritize the type of vendors you want to visit.

“First, do research. Visit BBB.org before making any purchases to help avoid being coaxed into making an impulse buy,” Bernas said.

During peak hours, these events can be crowded, and it can be more challenging to get the answers to all your questions. Plan to arrive early. There are several things to do ahead of time to get a great deal.

Tips before signing any agreement

• Research and gather information. Search for a contractor’s business profile at BBB.org for free information on their history of complaints, read verified customer reviews, and see if they are a BBB-accredited business. Also, search online for the name of the company along with “Complaint,” “Review,” or “Scam” to see what experience other people have had with the company.

• Ask for references. Ask the contractor for a list of recent local references you may contact. Ask the references about services performed, their overall experience with the contractor, and quality of the work. If possible, inspect the contractor’s work yourself.

• Contact at least three businesses. Shop around and get multiple quotes. Make sure all bids consider the same set of criteria. Remember the lowest bid may not necessarily be the best bid.

• Get it in writing. Always get estimates in writing and never let any work begin without a written and signed contract. Do not be pressured into signing an agreement before you are ready, and make sure you read and understand everything before signing. The contract should include contact information, start and completion dates, a detailed description of the work to be done, material costs, payment arrangements, and warranty information. Never sign an incomplete or partially blank contract. Illinois law requires a written contract for projects over $1,000.

• Verify licenses and insurance. Ensure the company you work with has the necessary licenses and insurance.

• Confirm building permits. Your contractor must have the correct permits before starting your project. They usually obtain the permits, but you will probably pay for them. That should be detailed in your contract.

• Inquire about a lien waiver. A lien waiver is a statement from your contractor that says all suppliers and subcontractors have been paid for their work.

• Arrange a payment schedule. Never pay the total sum up front. Stagger your payments so your final payment is not due until the work is complete and you thoroughly inspect it. Do not pay cash; make sure your check is written to a company, not an individual, or better yet, use a credit card. Have a punch list and make sure any issues are addressed before final payment.

• Get a receipt. Request a receipt marked “Paid in Full” when the job is completed, and your final payment made.

• Keep your contract. Hold on to your contract for future reference or if any questions arise after the work is completed.

If you’ve encountered a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker.