Most Jacksonville fl real estate undergoes upgrades and improvements over time. Before selling your Northeast Fl home or condo, you may need to hire a contractor to do improvements on your residence.  While most contractors are honest, be aware of a potential problem. Avoid getting caught up in a Home Improvement loan scam. This is when a contractor hooks you up with a lender he knows. Once the work begins, you are required to sign numerous papers. The lender may hurry you to sign them quickly without reading them entirely or they may be blank. After signing the papers, you learn that you have a home equity loan. The interest rate is extremely high. On top of all of that, the work is not done to your liking, and the contractor, who was probably paid by the lender, does not care about making you happy.

Recap:

Check with the Better Business Bureau before contracting for any work from an independent contractor.

Ask for references, and check with them. If possible, you may want to look at examples of the work that has been performed on other Jacksonville Fl homes.

Do not sign any papers without reading them thoroughly.

Pay the contractor in installments as the work is done if possible.  Be very careful about taking out a line of credit. Verify the interest rate if you do. Find your own financing if possible.

Verify the contractor has paid for the materials used on the job to prevent a mechanics lien from being filed against your home.