How to Choose a Reputable Contractor
Printed with
permission of the Southern Tier Homebuilders and
Remodelers Association.
READ THIS
CAREFULLY...your home is your wisest investment. Follow these steps to
safeguard your property when dealing with any contractor or home improvement
company. If you have any questions, please contact us or The Southern Tier Home
Builders and Remodelers Association at the number listed below.
10 Easy Steps
To Safeguard Your
Home, Property &
Investments
- If a down payment is required, make sure it is deposited
into an escrow account in your name. This consumer law protects your
interest.
- Make sure the contractor carries General Liability and Worker's
Compensation Insurance. If your contractor is not
insured, you can be liable for personal
injury to his employees on your property.
- Determine if your contract for work complies with all 14
points of the NYS Contract Law.
- Confirm that the contractor has a permanent local business
address and a good reputation with local banks and suppliers.
- Ask for references and view past work.
- Call the Better Business Bureau, Consumer Affairs or
Chamber of Commerce for information on the company.
- Begin early enough to check on the company.
- Make sure you read your contract carefully. Make sure it
is complete and clearly written.
- Determine the kind and quality of materials to be used.
-
Know whom to expect to be working on your property.
Beware!
DO NOT HIRE A CONTRACTOR:
-
who uses "high pressure" tactics!
-
who cannot give references or, if the
references have some reservations!
-
whose name, address, telephone number or
credentials cannot be verified.
-
who offers an unusual low price, or a price
that is yours as a result of "overstocking", "mistake in purchasing at another
job", or because your home may be used for "advertising purposes".
Contract Compliance Check List
We would like to take this opportunity to inform
consumers of a new Law recently passed by the State of New York concerning
Remodeling and Home Improvement Contracts. A written contract, complying with
the following checklist is required if the cost of the job, including all labor,
services and materials to be supplied by the contractor is more than $500.00.
Multiple contracts between the same parties, each under the $500.00 threshold is
prohibited.
For your protection, make sure that each of the
following is covered in a Remodeling or Home Improvement Contract entered into
after March 1, 1988.
-
Name, address and telephone number of the
contractor and license number, if applicable, of the contractor.
-
Contract must be legible and written in plain
English.
-
Approximate or estimated date when the work
will begin and when the work will be substantially completed, including a
statement of contingencies that could materially change the completion date.
-
Statement whether or not time is of the essence
of the completion date.
-
Specific description of the work to be
performed and the materials to be provided to the owner, including make, model
number of any other identifying information.
-
Consideration for the work and materials
provided by the contractor must be specified (this means a specific cost or
rate).
-
Notification of the Lien laws.
-
Notice that the contractor will use an escrow
account or post bond for down payment advances on payments received prior to
substantial completion and notice of a depository for escrow amounts.
-
Notice of right of cancellation, including a
cancellation form.
-
Clear description of any other document
incorporated in the contract.
-
Signature of contractor, and signature of the
owner and any other party to the contract.
-
A copy of contract signed by contractor is
furnished to the owner before any work is done.
-
Any amendments to the contract also must be in
writing and signed by both parties.
-
A notice of the exclusion of unincorporated
documents.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION,
CONTACT THE
SOUTHERN TIER HOME
BUILDERS AND
REMODELERS ASSOCIATION
AT 785-9285.
MEMBER OF
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF HOME BUILDERS
AND THE REMODELERS
COUNCIL.
