| |
Before You Sign the Contract
Get three estimates, check references, and
always ask for a detailed written contract,
even for small projects. It will protect you
and help ensure that you and the contractor
understand the scope of the job and the price.
State law requires that most home improvement
contracts over $1,000 be in writing.
Be
Sure The Contract Contains:
-The identification of the contractor, including
his/her registration number.
-Total price of the work.
-The payment schedule.
-A provision for changes or "extras".
-A detailed list of specifications/materials.
-Start and completion dates.
-A copy of the contractor’s insurance.
-A permit notice warning you that if you secure
your own building permit or deal with unregistered
contractors, you will not be eligible for
the Guaranty Fund
-A 3-day cancellation notice, informing you
of your right to cancel your contract if you
signed the agreement in your home, or at a
place other than at the contractor’s
office or business.
-Other details particular to your job.
Other
Considerations
-Be sure the contractor obtains the building
permit. If you apply for the permit, you may
not be eligible for compensation from the
Guaranty Fund.
-By law, the contractor cannot collect more
than one-third of the cost of the contract
in advance, unless special order materials
are needed.
-If you are financing your home improvements,
be aware that contractors are not allowed
to lend you the money, or act in association
with any lending institution if the loan is
secured by a mortgage on your home. A contractor
cannot offer you financing with a specific
lender if your home is used as collateral.
You have the right to choose any lender who
is willing to negotiate your loan. Get a cost
estimate from the contractor, and then shop
around for the best financing option.
-If the contractor or subcontractor is not
registered, the Home Improvement Contractor
Law will not protect you.
To
find out if a home improvement contractor
is licensed in the state of Massachusetts,
contact The Department of Public Safety at
(617) 727-3200. To see if consumers have filed
complaints against a particular contractor,
you can contact The Attorney General's Consumer
Complaint Hotline at (617) 727-8400
|
