Today's consumer tip: Get recommendations before hiring workers to help you

It's fall, officially now, so if you're planning to hire people to help you get your home and yard ready for winter, be sure to ask for recommendations. It helps to get at least three.

Other consumer advice I've given over the years is not to hire people who come to your door saying they can help you with various chores. I had big trouble once.

I needed the moss washed off my roof, so when a young man rang my doorbell saying he was experienced in that area, I said yes. He didn't do a good job, and the water streaked a paint job I had done a few months earlier. I stopped payment on his check. He threatened to burn my house down.

Copyright 2014, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Comments

[Peter]

Great tip! As with almost everything, getting a recommendation before spending any money can really save you from undesired troubles/losses!

[Rita]

Hi Peter,

Thanks for your comment.

I checked out your website: Good information for consumers.

Rita