FAQ's & Technical Help

Choosing a contractor

Choosing a contractor is a big decision, perhaps the biggest decision you will ever make concerning your homes value!  Taking a little extra time to read the following will give you the basic tools to make a wise choice.  If you need additional help please feel free to ask us for help.

KNOW YOUR CONSUMER RIGHTS 

As you plan for your next repair/improvement project, it is important to ask the right questions in order to protect your investment. The tips in this section should allow you to protect yourself and minimize the possibility that a misunderstanding may occur. 

The Attorney Generals Office of the State of Illinois made effective, as of January 01, 2000, the requirement of all companies in the business of home improvement to provide the consumer with the information included in this document. Any estimate in an amount greater than $500.00 shall be accompanied by this information. Any estimate in the amount greater than $1000.00 shall be accompanied by this information and a signature of the consumers and the contractors’ acknowledgement of receiving and providing of the information is required. 

If you think you have been defrauded or you have questions, please bring it to the attention of your State’s Attorney or the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. 

You may contact them via these toll free numbers: Carbondale (800) 243-0607, Springfield (800) 243-0618, Chicago (800) 386-5438, TTY (800) 964-3013, or you can contact them via the Attorney General’s Office web site at; www.ag.state.il.us.com. 

Avoiding Home Repair Fraud 

Please use extreme caution when confronted with the following warning signs of a potential scam:  

2.)- Solicitations for repair work from a company that lists only a telephone number or a post office box number to contact, particularly if it is an out of state company. 

3.)- Contractors who fail to provide customers references when requested. 

4.)- Persons offering to inspect your home for free. Do not admit anyone into your home unless he or she can present authentic identification establishing his or her business status. 

5.)- Contractors demanding cash payment for a job or who ask you to make a check payable to a person other than the owner or company name. 

6.)- Offers from a contractor to drive you to the bank to withdraw funds to pay for the work. 

Basic Terms to be Included in a Contract 

1.)- Contractor’s full name, address, and telephone number. Illinois law requires that persons selling home repair and improvement services provide their customers with notice of any change to their business name or address that comes about prior to the agreed dates for beginning or completing the work. 

2.)- A description of the work to be performed. 

3.)- Starting and estimated completion dates. 

4.)- Total cost of the work to be performed. 

5.)- Schedule and method of payment, including down payment, subsequent payments and final payment. 

6.)- A provision stating the grounds for termination of the contract by either party. However, the homeowner must pay the contractor for work completed. If the contractor fails to commence or complete work within the contracted time period, the homeowner may cancel and may be entitled to a refund of any down payment of other payment or other payments made towards the work, upon written demand by certified mail. 

Contracts 

1.)- Get all estimates in writing. 

2.)- Do not be induced into signing a contract by high-pressure sales tactics. 

3.)- Never sign a contract with blank spaces or one you do not fully understand. If you are taking out a loan to finance the work, do not sign the contract before your lender approves the loan. 

4.)- Remember, you have 3 business days from the time you sign your contract to cancel any contract if the sale is made in your home. The contractor can not deprive you of this right by initiating work, selling your contract to a lender, or any other tactic. 

5.)- If the contractor does business under a name other than the contractor’s name, the business must either be incorporated or registered under the Assumed Business Name Act. Check with the Secretary of State to see if the business is incorporated or with any county clerk to see if the business has been registered under the Assumed Business Name Act. 

6.)- Homeowners should check with local and county units of government to determine if permits or inspections are required. 

7.)- Determine whether the contractor will guarantee his or her work and products. 

8.)- Determine whether the contractor has the proper insurance. 

9.)- Do not sign a certificate of completion or make final payment until the work is done to your satisfaction. 

10.)- Remember, homeowners should know who provides supplies and labor for any work performed on your home. Suppliers and subcontractors have a right to file a lien against your property if the general contractor fails to pay them. To protect your property, request lien wavers from the general contractor.

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