There’s a scam going around. You won’t find it on a dodgy website or lurking in your inbox—it’s right in your neighborhood. It’s the local contractor who hands you a quote with a single, eye-watering figure and the vaguest of work descriptions. You know the kind:
“Painting and repairs: R25,000”
What painting? What repairs? Where’s the breakdown of labor, materials, or time required? It’s like they’re writing blank checks to themselves, and the only thing that’s clear is the hole burning in your wallet.
The New Demands of Small Contractors
And it’s getting worse. Some contractors are asking for 70% deposits upfront. Others? 90%! You pay nearly everything before they’ve even started. And that’s if you’re lucky enough to get a written quote. There’s an entire subculture of contractors who’ll only give you a verbal estimate, leaving you with nothing in writing.
These aren’t the budget-friendly guys they used to be, either. Many have started pricing themselves out of the market entirely. Double the price for the same work another contractor would do? It’s beyond outrageous—it’s predatory.
Why Is This Happening?
It’s easy to think these contractors are desperate in a down economy, but that’s not it. They’re not scrambling to make ends meet—they’re charging as much as they can get away with. They’re not struggling; they’re scheming.
But the problem isn’t just them—it’s us, the buyers. We need to wise up, ask questions, and demand clarity. Get detailed quotes. Compare prices. Push back on unrealistic deposit demands. If they refuse? Walk away.
The days of blind trust are over. It’s time to protect yourself—and your budget.
