Winterize your home comfortably this fall

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/10/2024 (375 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s time to close pools, clean the gutters and get the lawn in order before the prairie winter sets in. Saying goodbye to summer is a tough ask for many, even moreso when these mundane tasks turn into nightmares.

After a string of local scams have been reported across a few different industries, it’s becoming more and more important to take your time before hiring a service provider. While some of us complete these winterizing tasks ourselves, many require help to do so, and some hire contractors to help their elderly relatives. Regardless of who the service is for, there are a few steps you’ll want to take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

First, beware of fake reviews online or fraudulent social media ads. In an online world full of misinformation, you can turn to the Better Business Bureau’s business directory for help. The directory uses information from verified customers to give companies ratings and includes helpful reviews. Consumers can also quickly filter for accredited businesses, those that have pledged to operate ethically.

Accredited businesses must continually meet standards that include building trust, advertising honestly, being transparent, honouring promises, being responsive and embodying integrity. With scams on the rise, they help consumers cut through the noise through meeting these standards as monitored through a third-party not-for-profit.

Taking extra time to do some research before hiring a company always sounds onerous. But the Better Business Bureau makes it easy, compiling reliable information in one place for consumer use. It’s fast and free. Consumers can even take advantage of a secondary service at the same time.

Get A Quote is another free service that gives consumers the ability to quickly compare businesses all from the same host site. Simply click “get a quote” next to the business name on bbb.org to request a quote be sent back to you from that company and wait for the quotes to roll in. You can quickly request information from several organizations then compare them to make your choice.

Instead of scrolling through a bunch of different sites full of biased advertising, expired promotions and potentially fake reviews, you can find everything you need in one trustworthy place at bbb.org.

Often scam artists can take us off this reliable route with promises of huge discounts or speedy work. We become so enticed by an offer, it’s nearly impossible to say no. Just remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is. Ask to verify the contractor’s license and insurance. If they can’t offer it, that’s the first red flag. If they pressure in on you, saying you only have so much time to accept the offer before it’s gone, that’s another red flag. If they refuse to provide everything in writing, that’s the third, but it shouldn’t take that many to walk away.

Be ready to exit the deal after just one red flag. Consult with the BBB if you have any lingering questions or concerns and find a plethora of further resources at bbb.org/centralcanada.