Now that spring is here the unscrupulous, fly-by-night contractors will shortly follow. “They will descend on the area like the returning geese from the south each year”, said Carmen Santora, Executive Director. Along with their return, will be the problems that they bring to unsuspecting homeowners contemplating a remodeling project for their home.

The Better Contractors Bureau, (B.C.B. as it is known) a thirty year old, non profit consumer protection agency operating in Monroe and the five surrounding counties would like to help to prevent most problems consumers will face by offering the following guidelines when dealing with a home improvement contractor:

Always obtain three written estimates from similar size companies on any home improvement project you intend to do. More estimates will confuse you!
Check out the home improvement contractor’s reputation and complaint record with the Better Contractors Bureau.
Check to be sure that the home improvement contractor carries the proper liability & workmen’s comp insurance.
Make sure the home improvement contractor’s contract contains all the requirements under Article 36A of the NYS Business law. (Call the Attorney General’s office at 327-3240 and ask for a copy of the “Home Improvement Fact Sheet” to be sent to you.
Never give large down payments to home improvement contractors unless specialty items are needed for your project.
Never fall for the gimmick that your house will be used as “demonstration”.
Rule the home improvement contractor out that uses “high pressure” tactics to get you to sign a contract immediately.
Be cautious of the home improvement contractor who comes to your door unsolicited, especially if they tell you that they have left over material and can give you a terrific deal if you sign now!
Don’t fall for the false claim that a particular home improvement contractor will be giving you an exceptionally long guarantee. One-year labor guarantee is usually the rule of thumb in the area.
Don’t deal with a home improvement contractor that has out of state license plates on their vehicles or who uses a P.O. Box number for their address unless you can verify their actual business address.
Never pay by cash and if pressured to do so be leery of the home improvement contractor even if they offer a discount for paying cash. Only pay by checks and only made out to the company name!
Don’t make final payment or sign a lien release until you are satisfied with the work!
Check with the city or town building departments to insure any necessary permits required have been obtained!
Remember the old saying, “if it sounds too good to be true it probably is”.
Don’t go by contractor given references, they certainty won’t give you any that have complained and some may even be friends or relatives of the contractors.
Most home improvement contractors are honest, hard working, professionals and it is only the few “bad apples” that makes the Home Improvement Industry the constant most complained about business.

Carmen Santora is the Executive Director for the Better Contractors Bureau. The BCB is a non-profit consumer protection agency established in 1974 to be of assistance to the homeowner. Its goals are to “protect & inform” the consumer, eliminate unscrupulous home improvement contractors, and upgrade the image of the home improvement industry.

For a FREE copy of the Better Contractors Bureau’s annual Consumer Guide call the office at 338-3600 or visit the BCB website at www.the-bcb.net

-The Fixie Chick