Beware of unscrupulous contractors

The sounds of hammers and saws throughout the city mean construction and renovation season is well underway despite setbacks from unco-operative weather and a shortage of skilled labour.
Time is of the essence in this province as the building season is short for work that needs to be done outdoors and relies on certain temperatures for specialized jobs.
There is also another worry, particularly for homeowners, and that is getting involved with unscrupulous and fly-by-night contractors.
We hear about them every summer, coming into a neighbourhood and talking their way into being hired for construction work, supposedly at rates and with materials that are cheaper than the price quoted by reputable companies.
The Canada Border Services Agency recently arrested and deported seven foreign nationals working in Canada without authorization and taking advantage of Saskatchewan homeowners. These people are commonly referred to as "travellers." They come into a neighbourhood, offer deals and disappear again, leaving behind shoddy workmanship that costs more money to repair. The quality of work is not guaranteed, usually sub-standard materials are used, and there is no forwarding address for future contact.
Unfortunately, they often prey on senior citizens who sometimes are taken in by slick talkers and the opportunity to save some of their money.
Homeowners should be checking the validity of licences, asking for references, demanding written quotations from several sources, and not paying one cent until the work is finished and inspected by someone who has the appropriate knowledge.
In other words, dealing with local and area contractors is the recommended option, and it also provides employment for local workers and the companies that employ them.