Bringing in a contractor to carry out work at your home or business may seem like a smart move, but it has some subtle downsides. Contractors can appear to be trustworthy; however, sometimes you can feel ripped off by the time they’re finished with their work. Regardless of how many references they’ve received, here are four scams you should avoid when hiring a contractor. One of the indicators you’ve been scammed by a contractor is when they use cheaper materials without telling you before they start. You’ll often agree to a price before they start the work; however, hidden costs or various stipulations will lead contractors to increase the price. Similarly, before hiring a contractor, make sure they are giving you a “quote” on a job rather than an "estimate," as the latter has more financial wiggle room. Some contractors will take advantage of your lack of knowledge and skip important steps during renovation projects like venting, priming, and insulation.