With spring approaching, many Tennessee residents are preparing for home renovation projects. However, authorities warn that scammers may be ready to exploit these plans. The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office Division of Consumer Affairs and the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, part of the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI), aim to provide consumers with guidance to avoid fraudulent contractors.
"Home improvement scams top the list of consumer complaints received by our Division of Consumer Affairs,” said Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti. “If you’re planning to renovate this spring, make sure your contractor really is licensed and bonded—don’t take their word for it. Do your due diligence before you trust anyone with your money.”
The Board for Licensing Contractors seeks to protect public health and safety through contractor regulation. In 2024, they handled 884 complaints, resulting in $990,896.25 in civil penalties from 299 cases.
“While the majority of Tennessee’s contractors play by the rules and deliver quality work, there may be some who leave consumers dissatisfied and frustrated,” said TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence. He encourages consumers to learn about state rules governing contractors and ask questions regarding a contractor's background and insurance coverage.
Consumers are advised to research thoroughly before hiring contractors, even when using platforms like Facebook or Angi where scammers might lurk.
Important tips include verifying a contractor’s license at Verify.tn.gov and checking complaint history with relevant boards. Consumers should also obtain multiple bids, check references, review business licenses, confirm insurance coverage, avoid paying cash or full amounts upfront, and watch out for red flags such as high-pressure sales tactics or reluctance to pull permits.
For filing complaints about deceptive practices or licensure violations, resources are available on respective websites.