March 23, 2001
Consumers Should Do Home Work Before Making Home Improvements
Find out from DCRA if your contractor is licensed
If you are planning to hire a home improvement contractor to repair your home, the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) advises you to first do your homework. Call the DCRA Information Center at (202) 442-4400 to obtain important information about your home improvement contractor.
Before you sign a contract, check if your home improvement contractor is licensed to do business in the city. If your contractor has a valid business license in the District and violates a contract, he or she can be investigated after a complaint has been filed.
Before a contract is signed or a downpayment is exchanged, check to determine if a complaint has been filed against the home improvement company or the individual contractor.
Another critical aspect of home improvement contracting is building permits. Make sure that your contractor has all of the necessary permits. Be sure the contractor states clearly who is responsible to obtain and/or pay for permits.
Finally, never sign a contract or give a deposit to a contractor until you have thoroughly checked out the company and their references.
If the contractor has no valid business license or has complaints on file, DCRA recommends that you look for another contractor. Doing your homework could protect you from unscrupulous home improvement contractors.
