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Hello, and welcome to the New York Senior Information Line sponsored by the New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection, the State Office for the Aging and the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale. Each month, we bring you news you can use to be a smart senior in your everyday life. And remember, the information you hear on this phone line - - and more - - is also available online at www.nysconsumer.gov.
Choosing A Home Improvement Contractor
Every year, thousands of New Yorkers hire a contractor to repair, improve or remodel their home. Many of these consumers are satisfied with their contractor's work. However, some consumers complain about shoddy workmanship, overcharges, missed deadlines or the contractor's failure to complete the job. Some even complain that the contractor took a deposit but never performed any work at all.
When hiring a home improvement contractor, it's important to be cautious, to know the do's and don'ts, and to know your rights. This information can help guide you through the process.
Finding a Contractor
The best way to shop around for a contractor is to get recommendations from people you know: your friends, relatives and neighbors. Good contractors are usually found by word of mouth.
Get Written Estimates
Get at least three estimates, especially if it's going to be a big job.
Be sure the estimates are detailed and specific, and cover issues such as responsibility for clean up and amount of down payment required.
Don't always go with the low bidder. It may be worth paying more for a contractor who will use higher quality materials, do a better job, and keep to a timeline.
Be wary of an extremely low bid. It may be an indication that the contractor made a mistake in preparing the bid, is not including all the work quoted by the other bidders, or does not really intend to complete the job as set forth in the estimate.
Check References
Ask a contractor for references, and call the references to see if they were satisfied with the work. Ask questions. Did the contractor keep to the schedule set forth in the contract? Were any problems? Would you hire the contractor again?
In addition, ask the references if you can stop by and see the work for yourself.
Licensing
If you live in a jurisdiction that licenses contractors - - including New York City and Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester - - be sure to only hire a duly licensed contractor.
Proof of Insurance
If a worker is injured, or damage is caused on your property, you could be held liable if the contractor does not have the proper insurance. Ask the contractor to provide you with proof of insurance.
Questions for the Contractor
- How long have you been in business?
- How you done jobs like mine before?
- Will your employees do the work or you will you subcontract?
- Will my project require a permit? Whose responsibility is it to obtain any necessary permits?
- What is your current workload?
- Will you personally be on site while work is done? How often?
Find Out Whether There Have Been Complaints Against the Contractor
Contact the Attorney General's office, Division, your local consumer affairs office and the Better Business Bureau to find out if there have been complaints against the contractor. If so, they have been resolved?
"Red Flags" To Look Out For
- Avoid unlicensed contractors in areas of the State where a license is required.
- Avoid contractors who show up at your doorstep unannounced or contact you through telemarketing.
- Avoid contractors who use high pressure sales pitches or whose promises appear "too good to be true."
- Avoid contractors who don't supply references or whose references can't be reached.
- Avoid contractors who only have a P.O. box address or a cell phone number.
- Avoid contractors who do not supply proof of insurance.
- Avoid contractors who demand payment in cash or want full payment up front, before work has begun. Find a contractor who will agree to a payment schedule providing for an initial down payment and subsequent incremental payments until the work is completed. Always withhold final payment until all the work is completed and all required inspections and certificates of occupancy are finalized.
- Be wary of contractors who ask for money to buy materials before starting the job. Reliable, established contractors can buy materials on credit.
The Written Contract
Always insist on a written contract, and make sure to get a copy. Do NOT agree to an oral contract.
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