Is Your Contractor Taking Advantage of You? Here’s How to Tell
Feb 27, 2025
Not all contractors operate with honesty and transparency. While many prioritize quality work and fair pricing, others use shady tactics that lead to surprise costs, project delays, and subpar workmanship. At JP Exteriors, we’ve seen it all—from bait-and-switch pricing to unqualified crews handling jobs they shouldn’t.
So, how do you know if your contractor is taking advantage of you? Let’s break down the biggest red flags, how they work, and what you can do to protect yourself.
1. Change Order Contracts – The Bait-and-Switch Tactic
One of the most common tricks in the book is the vague contract—where the initial bid is intentionally low, only for the costs to skyrocket once the job begins.
How It Works
- The contractor provides a basic quote with little detail (e.g., “paint exterior” or “replace siding”).
- After starting, they claim certain areas aren’t included—like soffit, fascia, detached garages, or even doors.
- They then hit you with “Oh, that’s extra”—leaving you with little choice but to pay more.
Red Flags to Watch For
✔ Lack of specifics in the contract – A professional contractor will itemize everything clearly.
✔ Vague terminology – If the contract says “install windows” without mentioning brand, material, or quantity, assume they’re leaving things out.
✔ Unrealistically low price – If it’s much cheaper than competitors, expect hidden costs later.
At JP Exteriors, we provide fully detailed quotes upfront—no gimmicks, no unexpected upcharges.
🔗 Get a Free, Transparent Quote
2. High-Pressure Sales Tactics
Beware of contractors who pressure you into signing immediately.
How This Works:
- They rush you into making a decision without allowing time to compare quotes.
- They claim “today-only pricing” to create urgency.
- They discourage questions or downplay contract details.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns against contractors who use high-pressure tactics—this is a classic scam.
How to Protect Yourself
✔ Take your time – A legitimate contractor gives you space to make an informed choice.
✔ Get multiple quotes – Compare pricing, scope, and customer reviews.
✔ Read before signing – Never sign anything under pressure.
At JP Exteriors, we don’t pressure homeowners into overpriced financing deals or push the most expensive windows. Our goal is to educate, not manipulate.
3. “Chuck in a Truck” – The One-Man Show With No Accountability
You may come across ultra-cheap contractors—often one-man operations with little online presence. While some are skilled, many lack the resources to do the job right or fix their mistakes.
What Does a “Chuck in a Truck” Look Like?
🚫 No Business Reviews or BBB Accreditation – A lack of online presence means no verified track record.
🚫 No Company Infrastructure – No office, no customer service, just a guy with a truck and tools.
🚫 Cash-Only or No Contracts – If they don’t have the financial stability to cover their mistakes, you’re on your own if things go wrong.
The Risk to Homeowners
If they mismeasure your windows, siding, or roof, you’ll have to pay another contractor to fix it.
At JP Exteriors, we’ve been in business for over 30 years, with an A+ BBB rating and over 350 verified reviews backing our reputation.
4. Service Creep – When a Roofing Company Tries to Do Everything
Just because a company does one thing well doesn’t mean they should handle everything. If a roofer suddenly offers to install windows, siding, and painting, be cautious.
Why Does This Happen?
- Most roofing salesmen work on commission and say yes to any job.
- They don’t have the right crews—just subcontractors with no real experience in these trades.
- The result? Inconsistent quality and costly mistakes.
How to Spot Service Creep
✔ Check Their Google Business Profile – If they list “roofing” as their primary service, why are they quoting windows?
✔ Read Their Reviews – Do they mostly mention one service? If so, they probably don’t specialize in anything else.
✔ Look at Their Contracts – If they offer detailed roofing contracts but vague window or siding quotes, they likely lack experience in those areas.
At JP Exteriors, we specialize in roofing, windows, siding, and painting—all backed by decades of expertise.
Protect Yourself from Contractor Scams
✔ Verify Licenses and Insurance – Ensure your contractor is licensed and insured in your state.
✔ Conduct Thorough Research – Check Google Reviews and the BBB for complaints or red flags.
✔ Avoid Large Upfront Payments – A reasonable deposit is standard; never pay in full before work begins.
✔ Insist on a Detailed Contract – Document everything—materials, timelines, payment schedules—before work starts.
✔ Maintain Regular Communication – Stay engaged and address issues before they escalate.
How JP Exteriors Protects Homeowners
We understand that hiring a contractor is a big decision. You want a team that’s reliable, transparent, and experienced—that’s exactly what we provide.
✔ In Business Since 1994 – Trusted by thousands of homeowners.
✔ All-Inclusive Quotes – No hidden fees, no change orders.
✔ Specialized Crews – We don’t subcontract everything out. Our teams are trained experts.
✔ A+ BBB Rating & 350+ Reviews – A proven reputation for quality and reliability.
🚫 No high-pressure sales
🚫 No bait-and-switch pricing
🚫 No fly-by-night operations
Bottom Line: Don’t fall for cheap bids that end up costing you more. Work with a company that provides transparency, expertise, and guaranteed results.
Final Takeaway
✔ National chains and cheap contractors often use deceptive pricing and financing schemes.
✔ Roofing companies that suddenly offer windows or siding often lack the right expertise.
✔ Hidden fees, vague contracts, and unlicensed crews lead to headaches and unexpected costs.
✔ JP Exteriors provides honest, detailed quotes, expert installation, and a long-standing reputation in Austin, TX.
Need a quote? Contact JP Exteriors for an honest, transparent consultation—without the sales gimmicks.
