June 27, 2006
Need Home Improvements After the Heavy Rain? DCRA Warns Residents to Be "Smart Consumers"
(Washington, DC) Do you have a wet basement, problems with gutters or other issues after days of rain? The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) is reminding District residents to be savvy consumers when dealing with home improvement contractors.
"While the unprecedented days of rain may have created urgent needs for home repair, consumers should verify that a home improvement contractor has a valid Basic Business License before agreeing to any work or signing any contracts," said DCRA Director Patrick Canavan, Psy.D. "A
Basic Business License lets residents know that a home improvement contractor has met the criteria to do business in the District. DCRA also has the power to take action if work is not performed to a reasonable standard. Residents should also take the time to get estimates from a few home improvement contractors," said Canavan.
Here are some tips from DCRA's Consumer Corner:
Guidelines to Follow When Working With a Home Improvement Contractor
- Ask for a written estimate.
- Refuse to sign a contract that does not have all blank spaces filled in.
- Ask for proof that the contract has been approved by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).
- Ask for a copy of the contract after you sign it.
- Get two copies of a written statement of your right to cancel the contract within three business days (if you signed it in your home or at a place that is not the seller’s permanent place of business).
- Ask for names and license numbers of all salespersons or contractors who participated in negotiating the contract.
- Approve any charges that are more than the written estimate.
- Refuse to pay for work that is not covered in the contract and that you did not previously approve.
- Ask for written warranties for materials and workmanship.
- Ask for proof that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid.
- Ask for a receipt for your payment.
Any contract you get should include the following:
- Name, address, phone number, and license number of the home improvement contractor.
- Description of the work to be done and the materials to be used.
- Payment terms.
- Approximate start date and completion date, which should not change except by written agreement between you and the contractor.Not all contractors work within the law. Here are some tip-offs to potential rip-offs:
Tip-offs to a Potential Scam
A less than reputable contractor does the following:
- Solicits door-to-door.
- Offers you discounts for finding other customers.
- Happens to have materials left over from a previous job.
- Accepts cash payments only.
- Does not list a business number in the local phone directory.
- Tells you your job will be a “demonstration.”
- Pressures you to make a decision right away.
- Offers extra-long guarantees.
- Asks you to pay for the whole 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.
If You Have a ProblemIf you have a problem with your home improvement project, first try to resolve it with the contractor. Many disputes can be resolved at this level. Follow any phone conversations with a letter you send by certified mail. Request a return receipt. That’s your proof that the company received your letter. Keep a copy for your files.
If you can’t get satisfaction, consider contacting these organizations for more help:
