Home Improvement Basics
Estimates are crucial when preparing to have home repairs done in your existing, or a newly purchased, home. The reasons that we always recommend such estimates are easy to understand. With estimates, there will be no surprises down the line.
Obviously, pricing will vary, depending on the detail and quality level that you are looking for. The contractor should be able to explain the steps they plan to take to get the job done as well as inform you of your pricing options.
Like us, you may feel that many contractors seem to be unaware of the EPA rules requiring lead-safe work practices. To protect against risks associated with the unsafe handling of lead, on April 22, 2008, the EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices. Beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in a home, child care facility, or school built before 1978, must be certified and follow specific guidelines to prevent lead contamination.
Check Their Licenses
In addition to the safe handling of lead based products, you much consider if your contractor is properly licensed. Taking the time to check your contractor’s licenses can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
The Maryland Home Improvement Commission licenses and regulates home improvement contractors, subcontractors, and sales representatives. Home improvement work involves alteration, remodeling, repair, or replacement of a building, or part of a building, used as a residence or condominium. The commission investigates complaints by homeowners, awards monetary damages against licensed contractors, and prosecutes those who violate home improvement laws and regulations.
Established by assessments to contractors, this commission has a Guaranty Fund (the Fund). The Fund compensates homeowners for actual monetary losses due to poor workmanship or failure, on the part of a licensed contractor, to perform a home improvement contract. Each contractor is covered by the Fund for up to $100,000 for all claims. The amount which can be awarded, per homeowner, is $20,000. Applicants who submit a surety bond, to meet the financial solvency requirements, must submit a $20,000 bond.
To protect yourself, you must be diligent to make sure that you are working with a licensed contractor. As well, you can protect yourself by:
- Requesting references
- Being sure to get a copy of the contractor’s current liability insurance certificate and proof of worker’s compensation coverage. If the contractor doesn’t have worker’s compensation coverage, a homeowner could be liable if a worker is injured on the job.
- Always insisting on a written contract
- Paying no more than 1/3 of contract price as a down payment
- Before the work starts, asking to see any building permits
We are always on the lookout for good contractors to add to our list, so use our Suggest A Business form on the bottom of our local services page.
For additional information:
See Maryland’s Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
Visit the Washington DC’s Occupation and Professional Licensing Administration DCOPLA website
Visit the Virginia’s Department of Professional and Occupation Regulation DPOR website
If you’re looking for a local contractor, check out our local businesses page
