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Home improvements cause a lot of problems. The bigger the job the
less likely it will go smoothly. Often the first problem is getting
contractors to bid. Next is getting them to start, then to keep
at it, then to finish on time. In between there can be all kinds
of difficulties, from shoddy work to inferior materials to not cleaning
up the mess. And God help you if you discover problems after you've
made your final payment.
Problems are inherent in the work, the people and the relationship.
There's no way to eliminate them, but you can reduce them by learning
from the mistakes of others. The following tips were developed by
the New York State Consumer Protection Board based on a survey of
homeowners and their experiences with home improvement work done
by contractors.
- Start your search for a contractor by calling someone who has
worked for you before or comes recommended by friends, neighbors
or relatives.
- Look for signs that the contractors you are considering are
reliable. Signs include: an established place of business, all
required licenses, an absence of consumer agency complaints, a
long time in business, a long list of references, a good reputation
with suppliers and with government agencies that issue permits
and check work.
- Take the time to learn what's involved in the type of improvement
you want. The more you know the better your chances of getting
it.
- Get more than one estimate. If there's a large variation in
the first 2 or 3, get even more.
- When you're down to one or two contractors, get the names of
previous customers who had similar work done and talk to them.
Inspect the work, if possible.
- Put your agreement with the contractor in writing. Be as specific
as you can. Include details. Specify products and materials, costs
and payment schedules. Make all blueprints, plans or sketches
part of the contract. Include all guarantees. Consider a performance
bond. Get exact starting and completion dates. Consider penalties
for late work. A little time spent getting things settled now
can save lots of time or money later.
- Check insurance coverage. Ask for evidence the contractor has
workmen's compensation and liability insurance. Check your own
homeowner's policy or with your insurance agent about your coverage
for accidents to people working on your property.
- Plan your payment schedule to correspond roughly to the contractor's
progress on the work. Don't pay too much up front. Avoid putting
the contractor in a position to profit by abandoning or delaying
your job.
- As much as possible, be home while the work is in progress.
Check work as it is done, pointing out shoddy work immediately.
Your presence and attention can make a big difference in the quality
of the job you get.
Don't sign a certificate of completion or make your final payment
until all subcontractors have been paid and the work is finished
to your satisfaction. Give yourself time to notice defects. With
a roof, for example, you need a hard rain to test water tightness.
Use your Union Plus legal services program. Call a lawyer before
you sign a contract. Consider having him draft it. Consult him
if a question comes up. Thanks to the legal program you're in
a much better position than most people to minimize your home
improvement headaches. Maybe some day a few contractors will do
all their work right the first time, on time, on budget. Until
then, be careful and use your legal program.
To find a lawyer
in your area, complete the online form.
Source: National Resource Center for Consumers of Legal Services.
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