Top 5 Signs You’re Dealing with a Shady Builder
- ❌ Disappears for days or weeks with no update
- ❌ Changes plans constantly but won’t put anything in writing
- ❌ Pressures you to skip inspections or “trust them”
- ❌ Ignores warranty requests or drags them out
- ❌ Uses phrases like “It’s just settling” when things are literally falling apart
How to Spot a Crooked Crew Before It’s Too Late
We learned the hard way what shady builder behavior looks like.
Here’s the list we wish someone had given us before we handed over our trust—and our money.
- ❌ Says “Don’t worry, it’ll all be fine” when you ask for a written timeline
- ❌ Ignores or downplays your change requests
- ❌ Gets irritated when you ask for updates
- ❌ Refuses third-party inspections
- ❌ Demands payment before finishing work
- ❌ Doesn’t follow local code or zoning laws
- ❌ Has no paper trail (contracts, scope, permits)
- ❌ Uses vague language like “seasonal shifting” to excuse structural issues
- ❌ Hires crews that show up randomly, unannounced, or not at all
- ❌ Blames every delay on you
Know a red flag we missed? Share your experience on the Contact or submit your story. We’re building a database of homeowner warnings—and your tip could save someone else’s dream.