Avoid Home Improvement Scams By Using The Better Business Bureau

August 24, 2012

It may not surprise you to learn that home improvement services are included in the top ten list of consumer complaints.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI – of which Gutter Cover of KC is a member) lists top ten signs that a contractor is not trustworthy. To review these warning signs before you hire a home improvement contractor, go to http://www.nari.org/homeowners/tips/scams.asp. When considering a remodeling contractor to hire a good line of defense is using a Better Business Bureau accredited business. The BBB performs an extensive background check on each company that receives accreditation including their time in business, licensing requirements, and complaint history.

Since Gutter Cover KC was established in 2001 the company has maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau with no complaints filed against us. This has been possible due to our high standards of customer service from the initial contact through the installation process and beyond if any problem should arise down the road.

The BBB has developed a code of business practices founded on eight principles by which they give accreditation to a business or organization. An accredited business agrees that it will meet and abide by the following standards:

1. Build Trust – establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace.

Fulfill all licensing and bonding requirements of applicable jurisdictions and provide periodic updates upon request of the BBB.

Be free from government action that demonstrates a significant failure to support the BBB ethical principles in marketplace transactions.

2. Advertise Honestly – Adhere to established standards of advertising and selling.

Follow federal, state, and local advertising laws.

Supply upon request substantiation for advertising and selling claims. Correct advertising and selling practices when recommended by the BBB.

Adhere to applicable BBB industry codes of advertising.

3. Tell the Truth – Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosure of all material terms.

Make known all material facts in both written and verbal representations.

Ensure that any written materials are readily available, clear, accurate, and complete.

4. Be Transparent – Openly identify the nature, location, and ownership of the business, and clearly disclose all policies, guarantees and procedures that bear on a customer’s decision to buy.

Upon request provide the BBB with all information required to evaluate compliance with the BBB standards.

Clearly, disclose to customers:

Direct and effective means to contact the business;

Terms of any written contract;

Any guarantees or warranties accompanying a product;

Any restrictions or limitations imposed;

Any recurring commitment into which the customer may be entering, including information on how future billing will occur;

The total cost of the transaction, including tax and other related charges.

5. Honor Promises – abide by all written agreements and verbal representations.

Fulfill contracts signed and agreements reached.

Honor representations by correcting mistakes as quickly as possible.

6. Be Responsive – Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally and in good faith.

Promptly respond to all complaints forwarded by the BBB.

Make a good faith effort to resolve disputes.

Comply with any settlements, agreements or decisions reached as an outcome of a BBB dispute resolution process.

7. Safeguard Privacy – Protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed and respect the preferences of customers regarding the use of their information.

Respect privacy.

8. Embody Integrity – Approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions, and commitments with integrity.

Avoid involvement in activities that in the opinion of the BBB reflect unfavorably on, or otherwise adversely affect the public image of the BBB or its accredited businesses.

These are just some highlights from the BBB accreditation standards that a business must meet to maintain a good rating. To read the complete BBB Standards for Trust you may go to http://kansascity.bbb.org/AccredStds.asp to access that information. You can also check out Gutter Cover of Kansas City on the BBB website by going to, http://www.bbb.org/kansas-city/business-reviews/gutters-and-downspouts/gutter-cover-of-kansas-city-in-lees-summit-mo-11110731

What Our Customers Are Saying

M. Gunther, Prairie Village, KS, November 2019

It was a treat to find out the original installer (2008) was the person putting the covers back up after the roof had been redone. Putting those covers up in 2008 was money very well spent. After 11 years, they are still doing the job. The basement is dry (no overflow from big rains) and we have never had to get up on a ladder to clean the gutters out. They still look great…maybe even better, as the new roof color is a much better match for the house and the gutter cover material.

R. Villemure, Independence, MO

“From the estimator to the installer to the lady on the phone, all were very professional and courteous.”

P. Scharmer, Overland Park, KS, 6-24-19

The guys who came to install the gutters and covers really knew their stuff and helped solve the last remaining unknowns in a productive and fair manner.

R. Lowin, Odessa, MO, 8-7-19

Darryl was wonderful! He did a great job and very friendly and professional. You can tell he takes pride in his work!

T. Philgreen, Kansas City, MO

My wife and I are both very pleased with the new gutters and cover and spouts. We will recommend you all at Gutter Cover KC to our friends and family!
Thank you so much!