California Department Of Consumer Affairs

Finding the right home improvement company to update or renovate your home does not have to be stressful and frustrating process. However, most homeowners have no idea where to start, because they are bombarded with bad press about the contractors who are dishonest, inexperienced and really unreliable. Houses today are wary of those who can be trusted.

home improvement complaints and scams:

's lower rate home mortgages tempting to trade up to bigger houses, or to refinance and extend their existing or home repair, we are finding that the construction and home improvement activity is way up, and it jebroj complaints these areas, "said consumer Protection Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez. (Consumer Affairs, January 2006)

's lower rate home mortgages tempting to trade up to bigger houses, or to refinance and extend their existing or home repair, we are finding that the construction and home improvement activity is way up, and it jebroj complaints these areas, "said consumer Protection Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez. (Consumer Affairs, January 2006)

"home improvement complaints rank as the top consumer complaint in Connecticut and elsewhere across the country," said Rodriguez. "While the home improvements themselves can be expensive, any problems that arise often cost consumers thousand more to fix. Unfortunately, there have been many cases where the homeowner is left with a big problem and there is no funding to get it repaired." (Consumer Affairs, June 2006)

be careful of some sales tactic:

According to the National Consumer Law Center in consumerlaw.org, unscrupulous entrepreneurs mainly targeting the elderly. Do not fall into the trap after the sales tactics used at home:

of the "bait and switch" - offering low prices for items such as Windows and home siding, and then tells the homeowner item out of stock, and can only be replaced by the high cost of replacing

on the wrong urgent need of repair.

o say the point is more expensive than advertised because it must be "tailored" to fit the house.

of the wrong that the consumer receives a discount because the home was selected to model the repair when, in reality, the consumer pays the market price or more.

on the wrong energy savings, health benefits and added value in the house.

on the wrong conditions under which financing is likely to be arranged.

practices to follow for finding the right contractor:

If you hire a contract with a license and a good reputation (such as the Home Remodelers Group ®), you are guaranteed to avoid unfinished business, financial abuse and fraud.
National Consumer Law Center's list of proposals for homeowners looking for a home improvement company:

to not hire an unknown artist who collects business knocking on the door. Deal with companies recommended friends or reputable building supply stores.

about before agreeing to hire any home improvement contract, get a second estimate for the same job by another contractor.

to get references for the contractor and speak to those references. Ask about satisfaction and any problems that arose.

A Look at the other tasks performed by the same contractor.

O Many states require contractors to be licensed and / or bonded. Check with state licensing to see if you are considering contract is licensed.

to get a written contract describing explicit specifications of the price (including information on any financing or credit terms), the responsibility for cleaning, and the hourly rate for any added work. Ask for guarantees and other promises to be in writing.

o If the written documents are different from oral promises, do not sign it.

A 3-day right to cancel applies to door-to-door sales and home improvement loans even after the papers signed.

o not allow the contractor to begin work until the financial arrangements for payment of work completed.

o not agree to pay the final payment until the project is completed.

o not consolidate other debts with a home improvement loan.

o If the problem with the contractor or home improvement lender occur, get help from a lawyer or housing counselor immediately.

take care of your home: