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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Thomas Caltagirone |
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Take the 'con' out of home-improvement contracts
By state Rep. Tom Caltagirone
Each year, thousands of Pennsylvanians file consumer complaints about home-improvement contractors. These complaints typically increase during the spring, when homeowners are more likely to hire contractors to perform various projects.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when hiring a home-improvement contractor:
Avoid the following, which could point to potential scams:
- Unsolicited, traveling contractors who come to your home and point out specific problems you haven't noticed yourself.
- Contractors who arrive in an unmarked truck or van and refuse to provide proof of insurance and references when requested.
- Contractors who make claims, such as, "I've just done a job nearby and have some material left over, so I can give you a great deal on the job."
- Contractors who do not have a business card or a local phone number and street address. Contracting businesses should have a physical address, not just a post office box.
- Contractors who make special or limited price offers.
Make sure any home-improvement contract you sign includes the following:
- A start and finish date for the work and a three-day-right to cancel notice.
- The type, quality and warranty of materials to be used on the job and an outline all of the financial terms and payment schedules. Do not pay for an entire job up front. Include a penalty clause in the contract for failure to complete work on time.
- A complete description of the work to be done and a guarantee that old materials and debris will be removed from the property. Insist that the workplace remains clean and safe for the duration of the project.
- Require the contractor to ensure that all necessary permits are secured and that the contractor has proper liability and compensation insurance. Contact your local building codes officer if you have questions or if you have concerns regarding the quality of work performed.
Another rule of thumb is to shop around and get at least three written estimates for the same work before selecting a contractor. A small amount of research can eliminate big problems when hiring a contractor to perform home-improvement projects.
For additional information on selecting a home-improvement contractor or to report a fraudulent contractor, call the attorney general's Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1-800-441-2555 or visit www.attorneygeneral.gov.
If you have questions about this or any other state-related issue or subject, stop by my office at 645 Penn St., Second Floor in Reading, or call 610-376-1529.
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