Sign-In
Cart
Don't Get Ripped Off: A Homeowner's Guide to Hiring Contractors: How to Hire and Deal with HVAC Techs, Plumbers, Electricians, Roofers, and General Co
Paperback
General Construction & Renovation
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: May 5 2026
Pages: 108
Weight: 0.34
Height: 0.22 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
Hiring a contractor shouldn't feel like walking into a trap.
But for many homeowners, it does.
One minute your air conditioner stops working, your roof starts leaking, or your plumbing backs up. The next minute you're being handed estimates for thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, of dollars with no easy way to know what's real, what's unnecessary, or what questions you should even be asking.
In Don't Get Ripped Off: A Homeowner's Guide to Hiring Contractors, Jack Mercer pulls back the curtain on how home repair and remodeling jobs really work.
Written in plain English with real-world examples, this practical guide helps homeowners avoid common scams, overpriced repairs, vague estimates, pressure tactics, and costly mistakes when dealing with HVAC contractors, plumbers, electricians, roofers, remodelers, and general contractors.
Inside you'll learn:
- How to spot red flags before hiring anyone
- Why cheap bids often become expensive disasters
- How contractors use urgency and fear to pressure homeowners
- When you actually need replacement vs repair
- How to read estimates and contracts like a pro
- What questions expose bad contractors fast
- How to protect yourself when projects start going sideways
- What to do if you end up in a payment dispute or bad contract situation
This is not a technical manual filled with contractor jargon. It's a straightforward homeowner survival guide written for real people trying to protect their homes, their money, and their sanity.
You don't need to become an expert.
You just need to know enough not to get burned.
Also from
Mercer, Jack
My Contractor Ruined My House: Now What?: How to Sue, Fix, or Fight Back When a Contractor Does It Wrong
Mercer, Jack
Paperback
The Bathroom Remodel Scam: How "Free" Shower Offers and Senior Programs Really Work
Mercer, Jack
Paperback
Disappear and Come Back Rich: How Walking Away from the Noise and Reinventing Yourself Builds Wealth and Freedom
Mercer, Jack
Paperback
Living in the Villages: The Real Story Behind America's Most Famous Retirement Community
Mercer, Jack
Paperback
Golf for People Who Should Know Better: Why Smart People Spend Thousands of Dollars to Be Miserable on Weekends
Mercer, Jack
Paperback
Also in
General Construction & Renovation
City Witchery: Accessible Rituals, Practices & Prompts for Conjuring and Creating in a Magical Metropolis
Basile, Lisa Marie
Paperback
Creating the Not So Big House: Insights and Ideas for the New American House
Susanka, Sarah
Hardcover
Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook: The Essential Guide to Caring for Everything in Your Home
Stewart, Martha
Hardcover
Small House, Big Life, in 400 Square Feet: Tips and Strategies for Living in a Small Space
Bryant, Megan
Paperback
Best-Selling 1-Story Home Plans, 5th Edition: Over 360 Dream-Home Plans in Full Color
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Paperback
The Art of Home: A Designer Guide to Creating an Elevated Yet Approachable Home
McGee, Shea
Hardcover
Small Engines and Outdoor Power Equipment, Updated 2nd Edition: A Care & Repair Guide For: Lawn Mowers, Snowblowers & Small Gas-Powered Imple
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
Ultimate Guide: Small Space Kitchen Gardens: How to Plan, Plant, and Harvest High-Yield Vegetable Gardens
Koziol, Nina
Paperback
Big Book of Small Home Plans, 2nd Edition: Over 360 Home Plans Under 1200 Square Feet
Design America Inc
Paperback
Black and Decker Advanced Home Wiring Updated 6th Edition: Current with 2023-2026 Codes - Featuring Instructions For: Backup Power, Panel Upgrades, Af
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
Building Outdoor Kitchens for Every Budget, 2nd Edition: DIY Instructions and Over 300 Photos for Attractive and Functional Kitchens No Matter Your Bu
Slavik, Diane
Cory, Steve
Paperback
Good Character: Design with Intention to Reveal Your Home's Personality
St Russell, Stephen
St Russell, David
Hardcover
DIY Solar Projects for Beginners: Small and Easy Projects to Whole-Home Systems That Use the Sun
Smith, Eric
Paperback
The Layered Home: An Interior Design Book: Inspiration for Crafting Cozy, Collected Rooms
Reynaert, Benjamin
Hardcover
Ultimate Book of Home Plans, Completely Updated & Revised 4th Edition: Over 680 Home Plans in Full Color: North America's Premier Designer Network: Sp
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Paperback
Martha Stewart's Organizing: The Manual for Bringing Order to Your Life, Home & Routines
Stewart, Martha
Hardcover
Ultimate Guide: Decks, Updated 6th Edition: Plan, Design, Build
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Paperback
Ultimate Guide to Home Repair and Improvement, 3rd Updated Edition: Proven Money-Saving Projects; 3,400 Photos & Illustrations
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Hardcover
Tree Houses Within Reach: 30 Lofty Cabins, Playhouses, and Getaways You Can Actually Build
Diedricksen, Derek
Paperback
Best-Selling House Plans, Updated & Revised 5th Edition: Over 240 Dream-Home Plans in Full Color
Design America Inc
Paperback
Cozy Cottage & Cabin Designs, Updated 2nd Edition: 200+ Cottages, Cabins, A-Frames, Vacation Homes, Apartment Garages, Sheds & More
Design America Inc
Paperback
Budget Luxury: Your Guide to Creating a Beautiful Home Without Breaking the Bank
Sullivan, Clare
Hardcover
Trellises, Planters & Raised Beds for Beginners: 30+ Easy, Unique, and Useful Projects You Can Make with Common Tools and Materials
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
High Yield, Small Space Organic Gardening: Practical Tips for Growing Your Own Food
Wilhelmi, Christy
Paperback
The Smart Approach to Design: Bathrooms, Revised and Updated 3rd Edition: Complete Design Ideas to Modernize Your Bathroom
Editors of Creative Homeowner
Paperback
Interiors: A Home Renovation and Interior Design Book: Curated Spaces from Start to Finish
Lewis, Amber
Hardcover
This Oak House: A Renovation Story with Interiors to Inspire Your Own Home
Meyers-Shyer, Annie
Hardcover
Stuff Every Adult Should Know: A Pocket-Sized Guide to Grown-Up Know-How, from Taxes to Small Talk
Cohen, Brett
Favreau, Alyssa
Kalb, Alanna
Hardcover
Black & Decker the Complete Guide to Wiring, Updated 9th Edition: Current with 2023-2026 Electrical Codes
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
Dare to Repair: A Do-It-Herself Guide to Fixing (Almost) Anything in the Home
Glakas-Tenet, Stephanie
Sussman, Julie
Paperback
The Dorm Room Guide: The Complete Handbook for Preparing, Packing, and Living Well in College
Becker, Lara
Paperback
Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-To-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes
Zimmerman, Elizabeth
Paperback
Ultimate Waterfront Home Plans: 179 Designs Ideal for Personal, Family, Company Retreats
Design America Inc
Paperback
The Hand-Sculpted House: A Practical and Philosophical Guide to Building a Cob Cottage
Evans, Ianto
Smiley, Linda
Smith, Michael G.
Paperback
The Complicated Roof - a cut and stack workbook: Companion Guide to "A Roof Cutters Secrets"
Holladay, Will
Paperback
Tiny House Design & Construction Guide: Your Guide to Building a Mortgage Free, Environmentally Sustainable Home
Louche, Dan S.
Paperback
Engineering in Plain Sight: An Illustrated Field Guide to the Constructed Environment
Hillhouse, Grady
Hardcover
Pretty Good House: A Guide to Creating Better Homes
Kolbert, Daniel
Mottram, Emily
Maines, Michael
Hardcover
All New Kitchen Ideas That Work: Solutions for Planning, Remodeling, and Optimizing Your Kitchen's Style and Workflow
Paper, Heather J.
Paperback
Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff: Declutter, Downsize, and Move Forward with Your Life
Paxton, Matt
Paperback
Storied Style: The Book about You, Your Story, and How to Design Your Home with It
Mitchell, Grace
Hardcover
Van Conversion Bible: The Ultimate Guide to Converting a Campervan
Comley, Dale
Low, Charlie
Hardcover
Wiring for Beginners: A Complete Step-By-Step Guide To Mastering Electrical Wiring, Blueprint Planning, And Building A Profitable Career As
Murillo, Jack Murillo
Paperback
Building a Sustainable Kitchen: A Practical Guide to Prioritizing the Planet from the Heart of Your Home
Hansen, Naomi
Paperback
Black & Decker the Book of Home How-To, Updated 3rd Edition: Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair and Improvement
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
Barkitecture: Explore the World of Innovative and Sustainable Pet Architecture
Thomasson, Joshua
Hardcover
New Home, New Story: A Comprehensive Workbook To Help You Achieve The Most Successful, Least Stressful Moving Experience.
Planners, Milania
Paperback
Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Workbook
Bracciano, Alfred F.
Althouse, Andrew D.
Turnquist, Carl H.
Paperback
The E-Myth HVAC Contractor: Why Most HVAC Companies Don't Work and What to Do About It
Gerber, Michael E.
Goodrich, Ken
Hardcover
A Kid's Guide to Sewing: Learn to Sew with Sophie & Her Friends: 16 Fun Projects You'll Love to Make & Use
Kerr, Sophie
Paperback
The Laundry Book: The Definitive Guide to Caring for Your Clothes and Linens
Pozniak, Zach
Pozniak, Jerry
Hardcover
Homesteading for Health: One Farm Family's Guide to Food, Land, and Self-Sufficiency
Malone, Robert W.
Malone, Jill Glasspool
Hardcover
Essential Off-Grid Survival Projects: 50 Life-Saving Solutions for Shelter, Water, Food, and Safety
Furneaux, Ky
Hardcover
Black and Decker the Complete Guide to Plumbing Updated 8th Edition: Completely Updated to Current Codes
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Peterson, Chris
Paperback
The Home Edit Workbook: Prompts, Activities, and Gold Stars to Help You Contain the Chaos
Teplin, Joanna
Shearer, Clea
Paperback
Essential Knots: Secure Your Gear When Camping, Hiking, Fishing, and Playing Outdoors
Berger, Karen
Paperback
Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness
Fetell Lee, Ingrid
Paperback
Your Space, Made Simple: Interior Design That's Approachable, Affordable, and Sustainable
Magidson, Ariel
Hardcover
The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals
Shearer, Clea
Teplin, Joanna
Paperback
California Coastal: Seaside Living from Sea Ranch to San Diego
Hebert, Heather Sandy
Ewald, Chase Reynolds
Hardcover
Homesteading: Is It The Lifestyle For You?: Is It The Lifestyle For You?: Everything You Need To Know Before You Buy Land
Nickling-Riddle, Aly
Paperback
Home EC for Everyone: Practical Life Skills in 118 Projects: Cooking - Sewing - Laundry & Clothing - Domestic Arts - Life Skills
Bowers, Sharon
Bowers, David
Paperback
Practical Color Combinations: A Resource Book with Over 2500 Sample Color Schemes
Kuno, Naomi
Paperback
Living Off Grid: 50 Steps to Unplug, Become Self-Sufficient, and Build the Homestead of Your Dreams
Mitchell, Ryan
Paperback
Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Bracciano, Alfred F.
Althouse, Andrew D.
Turnquist, Carl H.
Hardcover
Code Check Electrical 9th Edition: An Illustrated Guide to Wiring a Safe House
Walker, Skip
Paperback
Never Too Small: Vol. 2: Reinventing Small Space Living
Beath, Joel
Van Vuuren, Camilla Janse
Hardcover
Code Check Plumbing & Mechanical 6th Edition: An Illustrated Guide to the Plumbing & Mechanical Codes
Hansen, Douglas
Paperback
Dr. Chase's Third, Last and Complete Receipt Book and Household Physician: Or, Practical Knowledge for the People
Chase, Alvin Wood
Paperback
Code Check Building 5th Edition: An Illustrated Guide to the Building Codes
Hansen, Douglas
Paperback
A House Needs to Breathe...Or Does It?: An Introduction to Building Science
Bailes, Allison A., III
Paperback
Upholstery School: Practical Projects for Updating Furniture and Furnishings in Your Home
Nooranvary, Sonnaz
Hardcover
The Beginner's Guide to Cheese Making: Easy Recipes and Lessons to Make Your Own Handcrafted Cheeses
Santogade, Elena R.
Paperback
Crochet Patterns: Creating Beautiful Dolls: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Cute and Unique Crochet Dolls.
Crochet, Tokki
Paperback
The Home Edit Life: The No-Guilt Guide to Owning What You Want and Organizing Everything
Shearer, Clea
Teplin, Joanna
Hardcover
The New Design Rules: How to Decorate and Renovate, from Start to Finish: An Interior Design Book
Cumberbatch Anderson, Jessica
Henderson, Emily
Hardcover
The Backyard Homestead Seasonal Planner: What to Do & When to Do It in the Garden, Orchard, Barn, Pasture & Equipment Shed
Hansen, Ann Larkin
Paperback
Black and Decker Deck Codes and Standards 2nd Edition: How to Design, Build, Inspect, and Maintain a Safer Deck
Barker, Bruce
Paperback
The Rocket Mass Heater Builder's Guide: Complete Step-By-Step Construction, Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Wisner, Erica
Wisner, Ernie
Paperback
Welding for Beginners: Learn Everything You Need to Know to Weld, Cut, and Shape Metal in Your Home Studio
Christena, Stephen Blake
Paperback
Code Check Electrical 10th Edition: An Illustrated Guide to Wiring a Safe House
Hansen, Douglas
Kardon, Redwood
Mathewson, Glenn
Paperback
Code Check Complete 3rd Edition: An Illustrated Guide to the Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes
Hansen, Douglas
Hardcover
Small-Scale Homesteading: A Sustainable Guide to Gardening, Keeping Chickens, Maple Sugaring, Preserving the Harvest, and More
Bruhn, Michelle
Thurow, Stephanie
Paperback