Press Releases

EAGAN, Minn., Oct. 13, 2004 -- Americans will spend an estimated half-billion dollars remodeling their homes this year. But many homeowners will end up spending additional money on lawyers and court fees as a result of shoddy workmanship, overcharging, scams and other problems in dealing with their contractors.

The massive home rebuilding and repair effort taking place in Florida in the wake of an unprecedented four hurricane strikes this year also has produced an increase in consumer complaints. "Homeowners should always hire properly licensed contractors," says Kristen Ploska, who is with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. "This helps ensure the contractor has the necessary education and experience to do the work properly."

The most common complaints are cost overruns, missed deadlines and inferior workmanship. Another persistent problem is "fly-by-night" contractors who take deposits or payments before finishing or even starting work and then disappear with the money.

According to the legal Web site FindLaw.com, a little research into state laws, reading the fine print in contracts and knowing the right questions to ask before a contractor starts ripping apart your house could save you considerable time, headaches and money later on. FindLaw.com offers the following tips for homeowners before taking the plunge of hiring a home remodeling or repair contractor:

• Get documentation
  Verify the contractor's license number, insurance and bonding.

• Ask questions

  Do you subcontract or use in-house staff?
  How long have you been in business, and at what address?
  How many other jobs will you be taking on at the same time?
  Do you have certification from remodeling and contracting organizations?

• Get everything in writing
  A well-written contract can help make sure the work is done properly and can protect you if the contractor goes out of business. Make sure your contract spells out things as specifically as possible, such as start and projected finish dates, materials to be used and payment schedule.

• Get references
  Ask the contractor for 10 references from customers who had work performed that's similar to yours; call three of them at random.

• Get legal help
  If you have difficulties working with a contractor, contact an attorney. Lawyers in your area who have experience with home remodeling contractors can be found at the Real Estate Center on FindLaw.com at http://realestate.findlaw.com.