Recently a call came into our BBB® regarding a contractor who said that he had extra blacktop and offered to pave their driveway for $350.00. Unfortunately, the contractor didn’t fulfill the job as expected, and he didn’t even pave the drive to the width of the garage door. The customer was told that in order to finish this out, it would cost another $550.00. The customer said that the contractor offered to pave the entire driveway for $18,000.00, but they refused.

This story isn’t unusual. Many times during the summer months, you may see someone with asphalt and saying that they have extra asphalt left over from a neighbor’s job, and they claim to give the homeowner a real good deal just to use up the remaining asphalt.

Don’t be fooled. Seldom do you get the product or service for which you have paid in a situation like this. Your BBB provides the following tips to consider:

*When considering hiring a traveling asphalt company asks for local references and verify that the contractor is in compliance with all local licensing, bonding and insuring requirements.

*Ask for identification and note the license plate number on the contractor’s vehicle.  Solicit two or three different bids for the work you are planning, but don’t automatically accept the lowest offer.  Make sure all bids are based on the same set of specifications and materials.

*As with any business transaction, be sure to read all agreements and guarantees before signing.  Do not be pressured into signing an agreement before you understand all terms and conditions. Make sure all oral promises are put in writing.

*Be wary of vaguely worded provisions, exclusions or limitations which could pose a problem later.

*Never sign a contract with sections left blank.  When you choose a contractor, do not pay for the work in advance.  Pay by check when the work is completed to your satisfaction.

*The FTC’s Three Day Cooling Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel with a full refund any purchase/agreement that was sold to you at your home.  With the contract, the contractor must give you a separate cancellation form with the date of sale on it.  To cancel the sale, sign and date the cancellation form and make sure it reaches the address given on it for cancellation by midnight of the third business day after the date of sale.

For more information on this and other questionable offers, visit bbb.org/Evansville or call (812) 473-0202 where you can Start With Trust®.

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