Focus on these spring home improvement tips
With the warmer weather already starting in the greater Houston area, it appears spring arrived a bit earlier this year. Spring is a popular time for home improvement projects as many homeowners are receiving their tax refunds and beginning maintenance for both inside and outside homes.
Additionally, the spring season can sometimes bring extreme weather, resulting in storm damage
Throughout this time, homeowners who are repairing their homes or are planning to use their tax refunds to cover the costs of home remodeling projects are advised to be on the lookout for scams.
The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas advises homeowners to be wary of contractors who promise work at discounted prices or are going door-to-door claiming they’re do- ing work in the neighborhood.
Before hiring a home improvement business, BBB recommends these tips:
• Check out a business. Be sure to check out any business before hiring by checking BBBHouston.org, where you can view BBB Business Reviews, read complaints and reviews, and find out more information. To find a reputable contractor, check out BBB’s Accredited Business Directory as well.
• Get multiple estimates. Before accepting an estimate, get at least three bids or quotes in writing. Don’t feel pressured to go with the lowest bid, as it might reflect the quality of materials.
• Ask for references. Ask for at least two or three references from the business’ last few jobs and ask questions about the quality of work, if it was within budget and on time, and to the customer’s satisfaction.
• Check out licenses. Be sure to check if the business is properly licensed in your state, if applicable. It’s also important that any business you hire is properly insured if working on your home. Please be aware that general contractors, such as roofers, are not licensed within Texas.
• Get everything in writing. Do not sign a contract until you have read through it entirely. If you made verbal agreements, they should be included in the written contract. Any deposit or payment plans should be included, as well as any warranties or guarantees. Never sign a blank or partially completed contract. Also, be aware that for sales made at your home, you may cancel the contract within three days without any penalty, per Texas law.
• Do not pay for the entire job in advance. Do not make the full payment up front or pay cash to a salesperson or contractor. Typically, a down payment of 30 to 50 percent of the total contract price is made before the work is started with remaining payments to be made after completion of each phase of work; final payment should not be made until work is completed and you have inspected the work
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.