This E-Book will educate homeowners and walk them through the process of interviewing potential contractors so they can make the best decisions for their successful renovation and building project.

Download our comprehensive eBook and start your journey towards mastering the art of interviewing contractors before making any hiring decisions.

Stop wasting money on shady contractors. Our proven interview process will help you avoid scams and budget overruns.

Don’t Let the Wrong Contractor Destroy Your Home – Or Your Life

Discover How The Empowered Homeowner eBook Protects You from Costly Mistakes, Unsafe Workers, and Nightmare Renovations

Imagine this:

You’ve finally saved up for your dream kitchen remodel. You find a contractor online who seems friendly enough and gives you a great price. He starts work the following week. You hand over a hefty deposit, and he starts demo day with a sledgehammer and a smile.

But fast forward three weeks—and now your kitchen is a disaster zone. Wires are exposed. Cabinets don’t fit. He’s stopped answering your calls. And then you find out… he never pulled a permit. Worse yet, you learn he’s not even licensed—and has a criminal record.

This is not just a bad dream. It’s happening to homeowners across the country every single day.

🧮 Estimated Total Fraud and Damages Nationwide (Across All Channels):

Taking into account federal, state, and BBB data, annual contractor-related complaints in the U.S. are estimated to exceed 1.1 million, though this is a conservative figure. Many cases go unreported or are handled informally.

⚖️ Complaint Categories Related to Contractors

• Incomplete or abandoned projects

• Use of substandard materials

• Lack of permits or insurance

• Non-compliance with contracts

• Harassment or threats from contractors after payment

Don’t let it happen to you.

Why You Must Vet Contractors — Before You Let Them in Your Home

Hiring the wrong contractor isn’t just an expensive mistake—it’s a threat to your finances, your safety, and your peace of mind.

Let’s break down the nightmare scenarios that could happen if you don’t properly vet a contractor:

Poor Workmanship That Costs Thousands to Fix

A poorly done renovation can leave your home in worse shape than when you started. Crooked tiles. Leaky plumbing. Sagging floors. Electrical work that doesn’t meet code. And worst of all?

You’ll pay twice—once to get it done wrong, and again to fix it.

Many contractors cut corners by hiring unqualified workers or skipping essential steps. They use YouTube training instead of professional expertise. And when things go wrong? They vanish, leaving you with a half-finished mess.

Cheap, Substandard Materials That Fall Apart Quickly

Some shady contractors save money by using the cheapest materials possible—often without telling you. What looks like hardwood might actually be laminate. Your new bathroom tile? Cracks in six months. Your brand-new roof? Leaking after the first rainstorm.

They promise quality but deliver cut-rate results. And unless you know how to ask the right questions, you won’t find out until it’s too late.

Unwilling to Pull Permits = Big Trouble Later

Any legitimate contractor knows that permits are required for most remodeling projects, especially ones that involve electrical, plumbing, or structural changes. But many contractors avoid pulling permits because:

• They aren’t licensed.

• They don’t want inspections.

• They’re cutting corners.

• They want to hide unpermitted work.

Here’s the kicker: If your contractor skips the permits, you are liable.

That means:

• You could be fined by the city.

• Your homeowner’s insurance could be voided.

• You might be forced to tear down and redo the work.

• You could have trouble selling your home later.

Permits protect YOU. If a contractor resists, it’s a red flag waving in your face.

Dangerous Individuals Inside Your Home

Your home is your sanctuary. Your safe place. But what if the person you just hired has a violent history? What if his “crew” includes:

• Convicted felons

• Sex offenders

• Violent individuals

• Unvetted day laborers picked up from a parking lot that morning

Yes, this happens. Every. Single. Day.

Most homeowners never ask, “Who are these people coming into my house?” But you should. Because without proper screening, you could be letting a dangerous person into your home—and around your family.

1. In North Carolina, a single mom hired a painter from Craigslist. His assistant was later arrested for stealing prescription medication from her bathroom. She only found out after reviewing security camera footage.

2. In Texas, a contractor brought along a friend to "help" for the day. That man turned out to have a violent assault conviction. He was later found loitering near the family’s backyard while their kids played.

3. In Ohio, a family hired a roofing crew. One of the workers was a registered sex offender who had been convicted of offenses against minors. They didn’t know until the man made inappropriate comments to their teenage daughter.

4. In Nevada, a woman hired a handyman through a Facebook group. One of his helpers was a wanted fugitive. Police only discovered him after a traffic stop in her driveway.

5. In California, a contractor doing drywall work allowed his cousin, a convicted felon on parole, to work unsupervised in a client’s home. The homeowner later noticed jewelry and cash missing.

6. In Georgia, a homeowner hired a low-cost flooring installer from a flyer. His assistant had multiple burglary convictions and was later caught casing nearby homes in the neighborhood.

These are not isolated cases.

The truth is: many contractors do not screen their workers, and some don’t even know who they’re bringing onto your property. When you don’t ask the right questions—or when you hire someone based solely on a Facebook post or a good price—you’re gambling with your safety.

These Are Real Examples Why You Should Vet Contractors

Hiring a contractor for your project is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on the outcome of the work.

It is important to interview potential contractors to ensure that they have the necessary skills, experience, and qualifications for the job. Failure to do so can result in a range of problems including subpar workmanship, missed deadlines, and budget overruns. An underqualified contractor may lack the expertise to properly assess the scope of the project, leading to costly mistakes and delays.

Additionally, the potential contractor may not have the necessary licenses or adequate insurance - putting you at risk of liability in the event of an accident or damage to your property.

By thoroughly vetting contractors through an interview process you can avoid these potential pitfalls and ensure that your project is completed to the highest standards and within your allotted budget expectations.

Why should you buy this e-book?

"Can you afford not to?" is the better question...

Exposed wires in attic

Cabinets falling off wall shortly after install

Deck not properly attached to house

Improperly installed shingles sliding down

What can you expect from this E-Book?

Whether you're planning a small project or a major remodel, this book will teach you exactly how to protect your home, your money, and your family.

Here’s what you’ll learn inside:

✅ How to Properly Vet a Contractor from Start to Finish

You’ll discover the step-by-step process for identifying trustworthy, skilled, and licensed contractors—and how to spot the ones you should run from. You'll learn:

• What licenses and insurance you must verify before hiring

• How to check a contractor’s reputation, work history, and complaints

• How to do a simple but powerful background check to protect your family

• What references to ask for—and how to tell if they’re real or fake

🚩 How to Spot Red Flags Before It’s Too Late

Learn how to quickly identify warning signs of a shady or careless contractor—before they ever set foot in your home:

• Contractors who don’t pull permits or say “you don’t need one”

• High-pressure sales tactics and vague contracts

• Bids that seem too good to be true (they usually are)

• How some contractors hide poor workmanship with fast talk and pretty photos

• Signs someone may not be licensed, insured—or even who they say they are

🧱 How to Protect Your Home from Substandard Work

You’ll learn what every homeowner needs to know to prevent poor construction and avoid having to pay twice for the same job:

• The right questions to ask during contractor interviews

• What should be in your contract—and what should never be

• How to make sure materials used are quality and not cheap substitutes

• What milestones and payment schedules protect you, not the contractor

• Why warranties, lien waivers, and inspection records matter

🚨 How to Keep Unsafe or Dangerous Workers Out of Your Home

Your home should be a safe space. This book shows you how to verify who is entering your home—and why it matters:

• How to ask about background checks—and demand accountability

• Why knowing who the subcontractors are is just as important as the GC

• Real-life examples of homeowners who unknowingly let felons or sex offenders in

• How to ask hard questions without sounding rude or confrontational

📄 How to Handle Permits, Inspections, and City Requirements

Many homeowners get blindsided by local rules and end up with fines, failed inspections, or unpermitted work. You’ll learn:

• Which jobs need a permit and how to make sure it’s pulled

• What happens if your contractor skips the permit—and how to stop it

• How to request inspection documents and proof of code compliance

• The exact questions to ask to ensure legal, insurable work

💸 How to Avoid Financial Loss and Contractor Scams

Contractor fraud is real—and costly. In this book, you’ll learn how to protect yourself from:

• Paying for unfinished or shoddy work

• Upfront deposits that disappear

• Fake licenses and scam websites

• Contractors who walk off the job and leave you in debt

🏠 Peace of Mind From Start to Finish

At the end of the day, this book gives you what you really want:

• Clarity – No more guessing who to hire or what to ask

• Confidence – Know you’re making smart, informed decisions

• Control – Take charge of your renovation instead of feeling helpless

• Protection – Safeguard your money, your home, and your loved ones

Actual Examples of Unethical Contractor Behavior

The Ghost Contractor

Case: A contractor in Pennsylvania named Edward M took large upfront payments and then disappeared.

Details: Edward M promised to renovate several homes but vanished after receiving substantial deposits. Homeowners were left with unfinished projects and no way to contact him. Legal actions revealed a pattern of similar behavior in other states.

The Overbilling Contractor

Case: A contractor in Colorado named Susan C was known for overbilling clients for incomplete or substandard work.

Details: Susan C would inflate costs by charging for materials never purchased and labor never performed. Her fraudulent billing practices resulted in homeowners paying significantly more than the agreed-upon price for poorly executed projects.

The Unsafe Contractor

Case: A contractor in Georgia named Michael L was reported for unsafe construction practices.

Details: Michael L's work included unstable deck installations, improper load-bearing wall removals, and unsafe electrical wiring. These unsafe practices posed significant risks to homeowners, leading to legal action and fines.

The Deceptive Contractor

Case: A contractor in Arizona named Robert W deceived clients by using fake credentials and reviews.

Details: Robert W created a façade of a reputable contractor by posting fake reviews and claiming false certifications. Once hired, his work was consistently poor, with numerous safety violations and incomplete projects. Clients discovered his deceit too late and had to pursue legal action to recover their losses.

The Structural Disaster

Case: A contractor in Michigan named Philip R was hired to build an extension on a home but created significant structural issues.

Details: Philip R used improper techniques and materials, resulting in a dangerously unstable structure. Walls began to bow, and the roof sagged, posing serious safety risks. The homeowners had to hire a structural engineer and another contractor to correct the issues, leading to substantial additional costs.

The Mold Problem

Case: A contractor in Florida named Angela P was hired to renovate a bathroom but caused a severe mold infestation.

Details: Angela P failed to properly seal the shower and bathtub, leading to water leaks behind the walls. The constant moisture created an ideal environment for mold growth, which spread throughout the bathroom and adjacent rooms, causing health issues for the homeowners and requiring expensive remediation.

The Electrical Nightmare

Case: A contractor in California named Tom H performed electrical work without the necessary skills or permits.

Details: Tom H's work included improper wiring, overloaded circuits, and a lack of grounding, all of which created significant fire hazards. After several near-miss electrical fires, the homeowners had to bring in a licensed electrician to rewire the entire house.

The Half-Done Deck

Case: A contractor in Oregon named Jake F was hired to build a deck but left it incomplete and unsafe.

Details: Jake F started the deck project but left it half-finished, with loose boards and unstable railings. The unfinished deck was a safety hazard and an eyesore, forcing the homeowners to hire another contractor to complete the job properly.

The Foundation Failure

Case: A contractor in Texas named Larry M performed foundation work that led to severe structural problems.

Details: Larry M's improper techniques and use of substandard materials resulted in a shifting and cracking foundation. The instability affected the entire house, causing doors and windows to misalign and creating serious structural concerns that required extensive repairs.

The Poor Plumber

Case: A contractor in New Jersey named Mark H performed subpar plumbing work that caused extensive water damage.

Details: Mark H's work included improperly installed pipes and fixtures that frequently leaked. The continuous water leaks caused significant damage to floors, walls, and ceilings, necessitating costly repairs and mold remediation.

The Botched Kitchen Remodel

Case: A contractor in Illinois named Paul S was hired for a kitchen remodel but delivered shoddy work.

Details: Paul S installed cabinets incorrectly, left gaps between countertops and walls, and improperly connected appliances. The poorly executed remodel left the kitchen almost unusable, and the homeowners had to hire another contractor to redo much of the work.

The Bathroom Disaster

Case: A contractor in Nevada named Carl T was hired to renovate a bathroom but created more problems than he solved.

Details: Carl T's work included improperly installed tiles, a leaking shower, and faulty plumbing. The resulting water damage and poor craftsmanship required a complete redo of the bathroom renovation, doubling the expected cost.

The Empowered Homeowner e-book proved to be an invaluable resource for me during the contractor interview process. It provided a comprehensive guide on how to ask the right questions, enabling me to confidently assess the qualifications and capabilities of each contractor. By following the e-book's recommendations, the I was able to delve into important aspects such as experience, credentials, project timelines, and budget estimates, ensuring that only the most qualified and trustworthy contractors were considered for the project. The e-book empowered the me to make informed decisions and ultimately select the best contractor for the job, leading to a successful and satisfying home renovation experience.

Clarice T. From Mass

The e-book "The Empowered Homeowner" provided valuable insights and tips on how to interview and select contractors for home improvement projects. It guided me through the process of asking the right questions, checking references, and understanding contractor licenses and insurance. If I had this e-book, it would have helped me avoid making the mistake of hiring a bad contractor that I had for my first project. The e-book gave me the confidence to approach the interviewing process with a more informed and discerning mindset, ultimately leading to the successful selection of a reliable and skilled contractor for my subsequent projects. The valuable lessons learned from the e-book empowered me to take control of my home improvement projects and make informed decisions, ensuring that the next project was completed to my satisfaction.

Brian M. From NJ

★★★★★

★★★★★

Testimonies.

I came across The Empowered homeowner e-book several months before starting my renovation project. I am glad I did! This e-book really helped me with the interviewing and hiring process. I was concerned that I would have a problem hiring and possibly get a bad contractor because of all the horror stories I have heard. I am happy to say that due to what I learned in this e-book, I was able to weed out the potential issues and find a trustworthy and skilled contractor that fit my budget. I highly recommend this to anyone getting ready to start a project.

★★★★★

Branda K. PA