How do I protect myself from becoming a victim of unfair or deceptive acts in home improvement?

Here are some common complaints against home improvement contractors and their performance.

• Contractors who disappear after receiving a deposit from a homeowner for repair work.
• Poor quality work
• Overpriced repairs.
• Fraudulent misrepresentations to induce the sale.
• Contractors who start but do not complete a job.
• An unlicensed and/or unregistered contractor.

Now that you know some of the more common complaints against contractors, here are some tips to help you avoid ever having to file one with our office.

TIPS BEFORE HIRING A CONTRACTOR

• Avoid door-to-door work crews, who often pose as contractors from another job with leftover materials, like gravel or roofing supplies.
• Avoid a contractor that can only be reached by leaving a message on an answering machine.
• Avoid a contractor that drives an unmarked van or has out-of-state plates on his vehicles.
• Avoid a contractor that pressures you for an immediate decision.
• Avoid a contractor that offers you a discount for finding him other customers.
• Avoid a contractor that has workers or suppliers who tell you they have had trouble getting paid.
• Avoid contractors who tell you you have won a prize, but in order to get your prize you have to buy a home improvement product or service.
• Avoid contractors who are offering free inspections.
• Avoid a contractor that quotes a price that is too cheap.
• Do not take the contractor's word that he has a valid contractor's license. Rather, check with the contractor's licensing board to determine whether the contractor has a valid contractor's license. The contractor's licensing board telephone number is 304-558-7890 or visit the West Virginia Division of Labor website.
• Proof of insurance. Make sure the contractor carries general liability insurance and worker's compensation.
• Ask the contractor for, and check, at least three references.
• Whenever possible, inspect the contractor's work.
• Verify the contractor's credentials (e.g their training and experience).
• Pay by check or credit card. If possible, avoid on the spot cash payments.

• Call Attorney General McGraw's Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-368-8808 to see if we have any complaints on that contractor or visit the West Virginia Division of Labor website.

Just because you have investigated the contractor and believe him or her to be reputable doesn't mean that your work is finished. Here are some tips to follow before you sign a contract.

TIPS BEFORE SIGNING A HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACT

• Get a number of written estimates. Make sure the estimates contain a complete description of all work to be done, required materials, and a cost itemization.
• Make sure that you get a written contract. Under West Virginia law, a contractor is required to provide you with a written contract.
• Do not sign a contract until you have read and understood it. Make sure that the contract contains every promise made by the contractor and all material, products and performance warranties.
• If the contract includes financing, contact a lawyer to review the contract before you sign it.
• If an up front deposit is required, make sure the contract says exactly where the deposit will be held, how you can get a refund, and how the deposit will be spent.
• Never pay the full price up front and make sure the contract spells out the payment schedule.
• Never sign over your insurance check to a contractor.
• Check the progress of the work and do not make the final payment until you are satisfied with the work and the contractor has furnished proof that all subcontractors and construction liens have been paid off.
• Be sure that the contractor agrees in writing that all work will conform to city, county and state building codes, fire and safety regulations, and zoning ordinances.
• Be sure that the contractor agrees to do all necessary clean up when the job is done.