Friday, June 26, 2015

Last year, many of the 1,200-plus complaints related to contractor work involved issues like improper contracts, damage to home or property, unfinished work, shoddy materials, or non-return of a deposit. Read on for the remaining checklist to complete when hiring a contractor and starting a home improvement job:

• Ask for a written estimate or bid. Get three written bids and compare them. When considering bids, in addition to price, ask yourself: Which contractor took the time to really listen? Which took notes and seemed interested in the work? With which candidates do you feel most comfortable?
• Contact your chosen contractor and ask for evidence of his or her workers’ compensation and liability insurance policies. You may want to verify that policies are active by calling their agency to confirm coverage. Obtain lien waivers from all subcontractors working on your project from the General Contractor.
• Set up a payment schedule that corresponds to the progress of the work, and don’t pay a lot up front. Do not pay ahead of schedule and never pay the balance until the contract has been completed and your punch list has been fully addressed. Once a dishonest contractor gets ahead of you on payments, there may be little reason for them to return.
• Specify in the contract whether you or the contractor will obtain the building permits from your town, if needed. Ultimately, they are likely a homeowner’s responsibility.
• Get a detailed, written contract. Your name and the contractor’s name and street address should be on the contract, as well as the contractor’s registration number. Check that all terms and conditions, materials, start date, end date, contract date, costs, and payment dates, are specifically included.
• Sign, date and keep a copy of the complete contract.
• You may be legally entitled to a 'cooling off period' where you may cancel the home improvement contract after you sign it. And any such required cancellation notice should be part of your written contract.
• Ultimately, direct any questions about laws and regulations to your municipal, county or state consumer protection agency, or local building official.

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