Warm weather has arrived in Indiana and many people may use this time of year to engage in home improvement projects.

While most home improvement contractors are honest and skilled workers, deceitful people are lurking, waiting for an opportunity to prey upon people like senior citizens.

It’s important to ask friends and family for recommendations of reputable contractors and to never feel pressured to make on the spot decisions as a result of a solicitation.

Below are some consumer tips on finding a reputable contractor:

# Take your time and don’t let a contractor rush your decision.

# Do research, know how much you can afford, and what needs to be done.

# Talk to your friends and family about contractors they recommend.

# Opt for local, well-established contractors, and don’t assume that an ad makes a contractor reliable.

# Be skeptical if a bid is too low or too high.

# Get bids in writing.

# Check with your city or county building department to determine the licensing requirements for your area, and if the contractor you are considering is properly licensed, bonded and insured.

Indiana law requires home improvement contracts exceeding $150 to be in writing. (IC 35-43-6-4).

Before signing the contract, make sure it includes the price of the job, a payment schedule, a detailed description of the work, an estimated start and completion date, the contractors name and address, and a name and telephone number of the person to contact if a problem arises as well as the contractor’s signature.

Never pay for the entire project before the work begins. Do not pay more than 1/3 of the total cost as a down payment. Remaining payments should be tied to completion of specified amounts of work.

Don’t make the final payment to the contractor until you know that all subcontractors and/or suppliers have been paid.

Get written proof of payment because subcontractors and suppliers may file a mechanics lien against your home if they haven’t been paid.

Be sure to get a copy of warranties and keep all records related to your project. This includes the contract, change orders, warranties and correspondence.

These records are important particularly if you have a problem.

In 2006, the attorney general pursued legal action against 31 home improvement contractors.

Consumers who believe they may have been a victim of home improvement fraud may file a complaint with the attorney general’s office by calling 800-382-5516 or by filing a complaint online at http://www.IndianaConsumer.com.

source : www.tristate-media.com