Home Sweet Home Improvement
Whether you’re
planning an addition for a growing family or simply getting new storm windows, finding a
competent and reliable contractor is the first step to a successful and satisfying home
improvement project.
Your home may be your most valuable financial asset. That’s why it’s
important to be cautious when you hire someone to work on it. Home improvement and repair
and maintenance contractors often advertise in newspapers, the Yellow Pages, and on the
radio and TV. However, don’t consider an ad an indication of the quality of a
contractor’s work. Your best bet is a reality check from those in the know: friends,
neighbors, or co-workers who have had improvement work done. Get written estimates from
several firms. Ask for explanations for price variations. Don’t automatically choose
the lowest bidder.
Home Improvement Professionals
Depending on the size and complexity of your project, you may choose to work with a
number of different professionals:
- General Contractors manage all aspects of your project, including hiring and
supervising subcontractors, getting building permits, and scheduling inspections. They
also work with architects and designers.
- Speciality Contractors install particular products, such as cabinets and bathroom
fixtures.
- Architects design homes, additions, and major renovations. If your project
includes structural changes, you may want to hire an architect who specializes in home
remodeling.
- Designers have expertise in specific areas of the home, such as kitchens and
baths.
- Design/Build Contractors provide one-stop service. They see your project through
from start to finish. Some firms have architects on staff; others use certified designers.
Don’t Get Nailed
Not all contractors operate within the law. Here are some tip-offs to potential
rip-offs. A less than reputable contractor:
- solicits door-to-door;
- offers you discounts for finding other customers;
- just happens to have materials left over from a previous job;
- only accepts cash payments;
- asks you to get the required building permits;
- does not list a business number in the local telephone directory;
- tells you your job will be a "demonstration;"
- pressures you for an immediate decision;
- offers exceptionally long guarantees;
- asks you to pay for the entire job up-front;
- suggests that you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows. If you’re not
careful, you could lose your home through a home improvement loan scam.
Hiring a Contractor
Interview each contractor you’re considering. Here are some questions to ask.
- How long have you been in business? Look for a well-established company and check
it out with consumer protection officials. They can tell you if there are unresolved
consumer complaints on file. One caveat: No record of complaints against a particular
contractor doesn’t necessarily mean no previous consumer problems. It may be that
problems exist, but have not yet been reported, or that the contractor is doing business
under several different names.
- Are you licensed and registered with the state? While most states license
electrical and plumbing contractors, only 36 states have some type of licensing and
registration statutes affecting contractors, remodelers, and/or specialty contractors. The
licensing can range from simple registration to a detailed qualification process. Also,
the licensing requirements in one locality may be different from the requirements in the
rest of the state. Check with your local building department or consumer protection agency
to find out about licensing requirements in your area. If your state has licensing laws,
ask to see the contractor’s license. Make sure it’s current.
- How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year? Ask for a list.
This will help you determine how familiar the contractor is with your type of project.
- Will my project require a permit? Most states and localities require permits for
building projects, even for simple jobs like decks. A competent contractor will get all
the necessary permits before starting work on your project. Be suspicious if the
contractor asks you to get the permit(s). It could mean that the contractor is not
licensed or registered, as required by your state or locality.
- May I have a list of references? The contractor should be able to give you the
names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least three clients who have projects similar to
yours. Ask each how long ago the project was completed and if you can see it. Also, tell
the contractor that you’d like to visit jobs in progress.
- Will you be using subcontractors on this project? If yes, ask to meet them, and
make sure they have current insurance coverage and licenses, if required. Also ask them if
they were paid on time by this contractor. A "mechanic’s lien" could be
placed on your home if your contractor fails to pay the subcontractors and suppliers on
your project. That means the subcontractors and suppliers could go to court to force you
to sell your home to satisfy their unpaid bills from your project. Protect yourself by
asking the contractor, and every subcontractor and supplier, for a lien release or lien
waiver.
- What types of insurance do you carry? Contractors should have personal liability,
worker’s compensation, and property damage coverage. Ask for copies of insurance
certificates, and make sure they’re current. Avoid doing business with contractors
who don’t carry the appropriate insurance. Otherwise, you’ll be held liable for
any injuries and damages that occur during the project.
Checking References
Talk with some of the remodeler’s former customers. They can help you decide
if a particular contractor is right for you. You may want to ask:
- Can I visit your home to see the completed job?
- Were you satisfied with the project? Was it completed on time?
- Did the contractor keep you informed about the status of the project, and any problems
along the way?
- Were there unexpected costs? If so, what were they?
- Did workers show up on time? Did they clean up after finishing the job?
- Would you recommend the contractor?
- Would you use the contractor again?
Understanding Your Payment Options
You have several payment options for most home improvement and maintenance and
repair projects. For example, you can get your own loan or ask the contractor to arrange
financing for larger projects. For smaller projects, you may want to pay by check or
credit card. Avoid paying cash. Whatever option you choose, be sure you have a reasonable
payment schedule and a fair interest rate. Here are some additional tips:
- Try to limit your down payment. Some state laws limit the amount of money a contractor
can request as a down payment. Contact your state or local consumer agency to find out
what the law is in your area.
- Try to make payments during the project contingent upon completion of a defined amount
of work. This way, if the work is not proceeding according to schedule, the payments also
are delayed.
- Don’t make the final payment or sign an affidavit of final release until you are
satisfied with the work and know that the subcontractors and suppliers have been paid.
Lien laws in your state may allow subcontractors and/or suppliers to file a
mechanic’s lien against your home to satisfy their unpaid bills. Contact your local
consumer agency for an explanation of lien laws where you live.
- Some state or local laws limit the amount by which the final bill can exceed the
estimate, unless you have approved the increase. Check with your local consumer agency.
- If you have a problem with merchandise or services that you charged to a credit card,
and you have made a good faith effort to work out the problem with the seller, you have
the right to withhold from the card issuer payment for the merchandise or services. You
can withhold payment up to the amount of credit outstanding for the purchase, plus any
finance or related charges.
The "Home Improvement" Loan Scam
A contractor calls or knocks on your door and offers to install a new roof or
remodel your kitchen at a price that sounds reasonable. You tell him you’re
interested, but can’t afford it. He tells you it’s no problem—he can
arrange financing through a lender he knows. You agree to the project, and the contractor
begins work. At some point after the contractor begins, you are asked to sign a lot of
papers. The papers may be blank or the lender may rush you to sign before you have time to
read what you’ve been given to sign. You sign the papers. Later, you realize that the
papers you signed are a home equity loan. The interest rate, points and fees seem very
high. To make matters worse, the work on your home isn’t done right or hasn’t
been completed, and the contractor, who may have been paid by the lender, has little
interest in completing the work to your satisfaction.
You can protect yourself from inappropriate lending practices. Here’s how.
Don’t:
- Agree to a home equity loan if you don’t have enough money to make the monthly
payments.
- Sign any document you haven’t read or any document that has blank spaces to be
filled in after you sign.
- Let anyone pressure you into signing any document.
- Deed your property to anyone. First consult an attorney, a knowledgeable family member,
or someone else you trust.
- Agree to financing through your contractor without shopping around and comparing loan
terms.
Getting a Written Contract
Contract requirements vary by state. Even if your state does not require a written
agreement, ask for one. A contract spells out the who, what, where, when, and cost of your
project. The agreement should be clear, concise and complete. Before you sign a contract,
make sure it contains:
- The contractor’s name, address, phone, and license number, if required.
- The payment schedule for the contractor, subcontractors and suppliers.
- An estimated start and completion date.
- The contractor’s obligation to obtain all necessary permits.
- How change orders will be handled. A change order—common on most remodeling
jobs—is a written authorization to the contractor to make a change or addition to the
work described in the original contract. It could affect the project’s cost and
schedule. Remodelers often require payment for change orders before work begins.
- A detailed list of all materials including color, model, size, brand name, and product.
- Warranties covering materials and workmanship. The names and addresses of the parties
honoring the warranties—contractor, distributor or manufacturer—must be
identified. The length of the warranty period and any limitations also should be spelled
out.
- What the contractor will and will not do. For example, is site clean-up and trash
hauling included in the price? Ask for a "broom clause." It makes the contractor
responsible for all clean-up work, including spills and stains.
- Oral promises also should be added to the written contract.
- A written statement of your right to cancel the contract within three business days if
you signed it in your home or at a location other than the seller’s permanent place
of business. During the sales transaction, the salesperson (contractor) must give you two
copies of a cancellation form (one to keep and one to send back to the company) and a copy
of your contract or receipt. The contract or receipt must be dated, show the name and
address of the seller, and explain your right to cancel.
Keeping Records
Keep all paperwork related to your project in one place. This includes copies of
the contract, change orders and correspondence with your home improvement professionals.
Keep a log or journal of all phone calls, conversations and activities. You also might
want to take photographs as the job progresses. These records are especially important if
you have problems with your project—during or after construction.
Completing the Job: A Checklist
Before you sign off and make the final payment, use this checklist to make sure the
job is complete. Check that:
- All work meets the standards spelled out in the contract.
- You have written warranties for materials and workmanship.
- You have proof that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid.
- The job site has been cleaned up and cleared of excess materials, tools and equipment.
- You have inspected and approved the completed work.
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