Home Improvement and Repair
Dear Attorney General,
My husband and I are starting to look for a contractor to make some repairs to our home. I have heard bad stories about shady contractors who do sub-par work or take advantage of homeowners. Do you have any suggestions on how we can protect ourselves?
Dear Kansas Consumer,
Home improvements and repairs can cost thousands of dollars and are the subject of frequent complaints in my Office of Consumer Protection. I recommend all homeowners do their homework before signing any contracts or paying for home improvement services.
Tips for choosing a contractor:
- Get personal recommendations and references. Talk to friends, family and others who have used the contractor for similar work.
- Get at least three written estimates from different contractors. Insist the contractors come to your home to evaluate what needs to be done. Be sure the estimates are based on the same work so that you can make meaningful comparisons.
- Check contractor complaint records with the Better Business Bureau.
- Contact your local building inspection department to check for permit and inspection requirements. Be wary if the contractor asks you to get the permit-it could mean the firm is not licensed.
- Be sure your contractor is insured. They should have personal liability, property damage and worker's compensation insurance for workers and subcontractors. Also check with your insurance company to find out if you are covered for any injury or damage that might occur.
When negotiating your contract, it is very important to get everything in writing. Homeowners should insist on a contract that states exactly what work will be done, the quality of materials that will be used, warranties, timetables, the names of any subcontractors, the total price of the job, and the schedule of payments.
Finally, I caution all homeowners to beware of a contractor who approaches you unsolicited at the door, pressures you for an immediate decision, drives an unmarked van, has out-of state license plates, or asks you to pay for the entire job up front.
As your Attorney General, I encourage all Kansas consumers to protect themselves when hiring outside contractors to make repairs to their home. Please contact my Consumer Protection Division at 785-296-3751 or 1-800-432-2310 with your questions or concerns.