Around the House® Home Improvement: A Deep Dive into Your Home

Homeowner Beware: The Sneaky Contractor Scams of 2025!


Listen Later

We're diving into the nitty-gritty of the top bad contractor scams of 2025! Buckle up, because we're about to unveil the sneaky tactics that some less-than-reputable contractors use to pull a fast one on unsuspecting homeowners. From underbidding to massive deposits and change orders that seem to pop up out of nowhere, we’re here to help you navigate through the minefield of home renovations. I mean, who wants to get stuck with a contractor who leaves you hanging after taking your cash, right? So grab your toolbox (or maybe just a snack), and let’s get ready to arm ourselves with knowledge to ensure your next project goes off without a hitch!

Navigating the wild world of home renovations can be a bit like trying to dance on a tightrope while juggling flaming swords—exciting but fraught with potential disaster! Eric G dives headfirst into the murky waters of contractor scams in 2025, sharing the top ten ways homeowners can protect themselves from unscrupulous tradespeople. Starting with the essential reminder to always hire licensed, bonded, and insured contractors, he emphasizes the importance of doing your homework to steer clear of the 5% of bad apples that spoil the bunch. He also warns against the pitfalls of relying on social media recommendations—because let’s be honest, the only thing worse than a bad contractor might just be one who’s recommended by that one friend who can’t even hang a picture straight.

Moving along, Eric pulls back the curtain on duct cleaning scams that prey on unsuspecting homeowners. He paints a vivid picture of these deceptive ads that lure folks in with promises of a clean home, only to deliver a box of dust bunnies and a hefty bill. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself with a bill that’s more shocking than discovering that your favorite takeout place has closed down! The key takeaway? Always verify credentials and seek out certified professionals who can actually back up their claims.

As the conversation unfolds, Eric discusses the dangers of excessive deposits and unexpected price hikes. He recounts a cautionary tale about a homeowner caught in a web of lies, where a seemingly innocent remodeling job morphed into a financial nightmare. Eric’s advice? Lock down a detailed contract that specifies every aspect of the job to avoid being blindsided by those sneaky change orders that can inflate costs faster than a hot air balloon at a county fair. So grab your notepad, folks—this episode is packed with wisdom that could save you from a renovation horror story!

Takeaways:

  • Always verify contractor licenses in your area to avoid being scammed.
  • Beware of contractors who ask you to purchase materials; they should handle it all!
  • Understand the details in your contract to prevent unexpected costs during the project.
  • High-pressure sales tactics from contractors are a major red flag; take your time to decide.
  • Be cautious of low bids; they often lead to costly change orders down the line.
  • Don't rely on the Better Business Bureau for contractor credibility; do your own research.

Links referenced in this episode:

  • aroundthehouseonline.com
  • monumentgrills.com
  • aroundthehousonline.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

  • Monument Grills
  • NADCA
  • John's Waterproofing

To get your questions answered by Eric G give us a call in the studio at 833-239-4144 24/7 and Eric G will get back to you and answer your question and you might end up in a future episode of Around the House.

Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listen

If you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

Mentioned in this episode:

SiteHype Designs

Visit SiteHype Designs and lets build a website that works as hard as you do!

Use Promo Code "Eric G" for your free website audit and 30 minute consultation.

Site Hype Designs

Check out the brand new Around the House Website!

Check it out at https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

Monument Grill Omni-Pro Eminence Series 405

Eminence 405 enhances grilling efficiency with a smart App-synced full-color LED touch panel, a durable quality finish, and an upgraded heating system. Its sleek, modern ClearView® lid design represents the perfect blend of elegance and expert-level performance. To find out more visit: https://monumentgrills.com/collections/omni-eminence-series/products/eminence-405

Monument Grills

Monument Grill Omni-Pro Eminence Series 405

Eminence 405 enhances grilling efficiency with a smart App-synced full-color LED touch panel, a durable quality finish, and an upgraded heating system. Its sleek, modern ClearView® lid design represents the perfect blend of elegance and expert-level performance. To find out more visit: https://monumentgrills.com/collections/omni-eminence-series/products/eminence-405

Monument Grills

Champion Homes at Design and Construction Week.

We're diving into the world of affordable housing and stellar construction, showcasing how Champion Homes is flipping the script on what factory-built housing can look like. Picture this: gorgeous three-bedroom, two-bath homes that don’t just meet the needs of today’s homebuyers but also come packed with style and efficiency. To find out MORE head to https://www.championhomes.com/

Champion Homes

Champion Homes at Design and Construction Week.

We're diving into the world of affordable housing and stellar construction, showcasing how Champion Homes is flipping the script on what factory-built housing can look like. Picture this: gorgeous three-bedroom, two-bath homes that don’t just meet the needs of today’s homebuyers but also come packed with style and efficiency. To find out MORE head to https://www.championhomes.com/

Champion Homes

Check out the brand new Around the House Website!

Check it out at https://aroundthehouseonline.com/

To Join the Around the House Insider Program

10 day Free Trial! Plus Extended Episodes, Catch the show 48 hours early and so much more! https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support

Around the House Insider

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Around the House® Home Improvement: A Deep Dive into Your HomeBy Eric Goranson

  • 4.3
  • 4.3
  • 4.3
  • 4.3
  • 4.3

4.3

37 ratings


More shows like Around the House® Home Improvement: A Deep Dive into Your Home

View all
Money Guy Show by Brian Preston and Bo Hanson

Money Guy Show

3,105 Listeners

The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast by Leslie Segrete

The Money Pit Home Improvement Podcast

178 Listeners

Motley Fool Money by The Motley Fool

Motley Fool Money

3,202 Listeners

The Art of Manliness by The Art of Manliness

The Art of Manliness

14,229 Listeners

Jill on Money with Jill Schlesinger by Audacy

Jill on Money with Jill Schlesinger

1,918 Listeners

Retirement Answer Man by Roger Whitney, CFP®, CIMA®, RMA, CPWA®

Retirement Answer Man

1,283 Listeners

Retire Sooner with Wes Moss by Wes Moss

Retire Sooner with Wes Moss

436 Listeners

Retirement Starts Today by Benjamin Brandt CFP®, RICP®

Retirement Starts Today

495 Listeners

Afford Anything by Paula Pant | Cumulus Podcast Network

Afford Anything

3,512 Listeners

The Fine Homebuilding Podcast by Fine Homebuilding Magazine

The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

764 Listeners

How to Decorate by Ballard Designs

How to Decorate

826 Listeners

ChooseFI by ChooseFI

ChooseFI

5,062 Listeners

The joe gardener Show - Organic Gardening - Vegetable Gardening - Expert Garden Advice From Joe Lamp'l by Joe Lamp'l

The joe gardener Show - Organic Gardening - Vegetable Gardening - Expert Garden Advice From Joe Lamp'l

1,841 Listeners

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred by Fred Hoffman

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred

258 Listeners

The Build Show Podcast by Matt Risinger

The Build Show Podcast

301 Listeners