Red flags to watch out for before picking a contractor

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Better Business Bureau is getting a lot of complaints from homeowners saying they are being victimized all over again as they try to recover from Hurricane Harvey.

Now the organization is issuing a warning.

The investigative unit at the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas says they have seen a number of complaints about contractors.

Many homeowners will hire a contractor, pay them money and, for whatever reason, the contractor is not completing the work. Then the homeowner has a hard time getting money back from the contractor.

So, there are some red flags you need to watch out for:

• Soliciting for business at your front door, or marketing with flyers on your door step

• Asking for more than 15 percent up front

• Needing up-front payment in cash

Leah Napoliello with BBB Investigative Services says, "When you do that, basically you are giving the money away. If there is a problem you may not get that money back. And if someone says you have to do that, don't hire that particular contractor."

Two more red flags to watch out for: A contractor that is not responsive and one that doesn't get permits for the job.

If you have a complaint you want Patricia Lopez to check out, head to her Facebook page and direct message her.

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