Home improvement projects can be an exciting way to spruce up your home, but it can also lead to disaster if you’re not careful. From poor workmanship to an unfinished job and a bill that keeps growing, hiring a bad contractor can put your dream renovation project in jeopardy. In fact, complaints filed against home improvement contractors rank among the top five complaint categories in New York City year after year. To avoid a homeowner nightmare, follow these six tips for finding the right professional.
Before you hire a home improvement contractor, make sure they are registered with the Department of Consumer Affairs, and that their registration number is included in all advertisements, contracts and estimates. Also, be sure the business is bonded and insured. This provides financial protection for you in the event a worker is injured on your property or damage occurs to your home while work is being performed.
Ask friends and family for recommendations and do an online search to find local contractors. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, request a written proposal from each one. This should include specifics about the work to be done, how long it will take and a payment schedule. It should also specify whether the contractor is licensed and insured, as well as provide a list of past clients.
If you feel a contractor has committed a violation of the law, file a complaint with the Department of Consumer Affairs. An administrative judge will decide the case and can order a contractor to pay restitution, fine them or even revoke their license.
A reputable contractor will have the technical know-how to look for the best solution to your problem. For example, if you have air leaks, a good home improvement contractor will check the entire house to see where the leaks are coming from. They will then use a product such as Dow’s GREAT STUFF PRO ™ Insulating Foam Sealant to prevent air leakage and save you money on your energy bills.
Lastly, a good home improvement contractor will stay in communication with you throughout the project. They will answer your questions and keep you updated on progress. This will help to alleviate any concerns you might have and allow you to relax while the project is underway.
A reputable home improvement contractor will not make any significant misrepresentations or false promises, or commit acts of fraud with respect to any project. This law is enforced by the Suffolk, Nassau, Putnam and Rockland counties as well as the five boroughs of New York City. If you believe a home improvement contractor has violated this law, file a complaint with the Department. An administrative law judge will review the case and may order the home improvement contractor to pay restitution, issue a fine or even revoke their license. If a person is not able to pay the restitution, the department can tap into a trust fund that was established with funds from licensees.