·  General Contractors manage all aspects of your project, including hiring and supervising subcontractors, getting building permits, and scheduling inspections. They also work with architects and designers.

·  Specialty or Sub Contractors install particular products, such as cabinets and bathroom fixtures.

·  Architects design homes, additions, and major renovations. If your project includes structural changes, you may want to hire an architect who specializes in home remodeling.

·  Designers have expertise in specific areas of the home, such as kitchens and baths.

·  Design/Build Contractors provide one-stop service. They see your project through from start to finish. Some firms have architects on staff; others use certified designers.

·  solicits door-to-door;

·  offers you discounts for finding other customers;

·  just happens to have materials left over from a previous job; 

·  only accepts cash payments;

·  asks you to get the required building permits;

·  can not produce a valid HIC or General Contractors license to prove they are licensed in New York, can not produce legitimate liability insurance certificates or workers compensation certificates made out to your name;"

·  pressures you for an immediate decision;

·  offers exceptionally long guarantees;

·  asks you to pay for the entire job up-front or drops his price drastically in order to entice you to give them the job;

·  suggests that you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows. If you're not careful, you could lose your home through a home improvement loan scam.

·  How long have you been in business? Look for a well-established company and check it out with consumer protection officials. They can tell you if there are unresolved consumer complaints on file. Keep in mind that: No record of complaints against a particular contractor doesn't necessarily mean no previous consumer problems. It may be that problems exist, but have not yet been reported, or that the contractor is doing business under several different names.

 ·  Are you licensed and registered with the state of New York? While the New York City Department of Buildings issues the license for electrical and plumbing contractors, New York & Long Island also requires a (HIC) Home Improvement Contractors License issued by The Department of Consumer Affairs, and/or a General Contractor Registration which includes a Photo Identification issued by The New York City Department of Buildings for Home Improvement Contractors and General Contractors. Each License/Registration covers different types of work and the geographical location of where the work is performed. All Licensed Contractors in New York are governed by the agencies who issue their license. Using a licensed contractor provides protection to consumers simply because these agencies can impose fines, penalties, and even imprisonment of contractors who do not abide by all the rules, regulations, and laws created for the industry. Consumers who use unlicensed and or uninsured contractors have no recourse if their project goes sour. Some consumers elect to choose these unethical companies simply because their bottom line cost of a project is much cheaper than that of a true professional contractor who pays all his expenses to operate a legitimate business. Consumers who only care how much it costs to complete their work and hire an unlicensed, uninsured, and un-regulated contractor have no one to blame but themselves if something goes wrong with their project. In the end it is quite possible to pay double for your work. It happens every day. Check with your local Building Department (New York City Department of Buildings) or consumer protection agency (New York City Department of Consumer Affairs) to find out if who you may be thinking of hiring is properly, licensed and insured, and that their licensing and insurance is current and in force at the time the company is performing the work for you. 

 ·  How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year? Ask for a list. This will help you determine how familiar the contractor is with your type of project.

 ·  Will my project require a permit? New York City & Long Island requires permits for building projects, even for simple jobs like decks. A competent contractor will get all the necessary permits before starting work on your project. Be suspicious if the contractor asks you to get the permit(s). It could mean that the contractor is not licensed or registered, as required by New York City.

 ·  May I have a list of references? The contractor should be able to give you the names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least three clients who have projects similar to yours. Ask each how long ago the project was completed and if you can see it. Also, tell the contractor that you'd like to visit jobs in progress.

 ·  Will you be using subcontractors on this project? If yes, ask to meet them, and make sure they have current insurance coverage and licenses, if required. Also ask them if they were paid on time by this contractor. A "mechanic's lien" could be placed on your home if your contractor fails to pay the subcontractors and suppliers on your project. That means the subcontractors and suppliers could go to court to force you to sell your home to satisfy their unpaid bills from your project. Protect yourself by asking the contractor, and every subcontractor, for a lien release or lien waiver.

 ·  What types of insurance do you carry? Contractors should have personal liability, worker's compensation, and property damage coverage. Ask for copies of insurance certificates, and make sure they're current. Avoid doing business with contractors who don't carry the appropriate insurance. Otherwise, you'll be held liable for any injuries and damages that occur during the project.

·  Can I visit your home to see the completed job?

·  Were you satisfied with the project? Was it completed on time?

·  Did the contractor keep you informed about the status of the project, and any problems along the way?

·  Were there unexpected costs? If so, what were they?

·  Did workers show up on time? Did they clean up after finishing the job?

·  Would you recommend the contractor?

·  Would you use the contractor again?

·  Try to limit your down payment to know more than 40%. Some state laws limit the amount of money a contractor can request as a down payment. Contact your state or local consumer agency to find out what the law is in your area.

·  Try to make payments during the project contingent upon completion of a defined amount of work. This way, if the work is not proceeding according to schedule, the payments also are delayed.

·  Don't make the final payment or sign an affidavit of final release until you are satisfied with the work and know that the subcontractors and suppliers have been paid. Lien laws in your state may allow subcontractors and/or suppliers to file a mechanic's lien against your home to satisfy their unpaid bills. Contact your local consumer agency for an explanation of lien laws where you live.

·  Some state or local laws limit the amount by which the final bill can exceed the estimate, unless you have approved the increase. Check with your local consumer agency.

·  If you have a problem with merchandise or services that you charged to a credit card, and you have made a good faith effort to work out the problem with the seller, you have the right to withhold from the card issuer payment for the merchandise or services. You can withhold payment up to the amount of credit outstanding for the purchase, plus any finance or related charges.

·  Agree to a home equity loan if you don't have enough money to make the monthly payments.

·  Sign any document you haven't read or any document that has blank spaces to be filled in after you sign.

·  Let anyone pressure you into signing any document.

·  Deed your property to anyone. First consult an attorney, a knowledgeable family member, or someone else you trust.

·  Agree to financing through your contractor without shopping around and comparing loan terms.

·  The contractors name, address, phone, and license number, if required.

·  The payment schedule for the contractor, subcontractors and suppliers.

·  An estimated start and completion date.

·  The contractors obligation to obtain all necessary permits.

·  How change orders will be handled. A change order, common on most remodeling jobs is a written authorization to the contractor to make a change or addition to the work described in the original contract. It could affect the projects cost and schedule. Remodelers often require payment for change orders before work begins.

·  A detailed list of all materials including color, model, size, brand name, and product.

·  Warranties covering materials and workmanship. The names and addresses of the parties honoring the warranties, contractor, distributor or manufacturer must be identified. The length of the warranty period and any limitations also should be spelled out.

·  What the contractor will and will not do. For example, is site clean-up and trash hauling included in the price? Ask for a "broom clause." It makes the contractor responsible for all clean-up work, including spills and stains. Click here to view a Sample Contract!

·  Oral promises also should be added to the written contract.

·  A written statement of your right to cancel the contract within three business days if you signed it in your home or at a location other than the sellers permanent place of business.  

·  All work meets the standards spelled out in the contract.

·  You have written warranties for materials and workmanship.

·  You have proof that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid.

·  The job site has been cleaned up and cleared of excess materials, tools and equipment.

·  You have inspected and approved the completed work.

·  State and local consumer protection offices.

·  Your state or local Builders Association and/or Remodelors Council.

·  Your local Better Business Bureau.

·  Action line and consumer reporters. Check with your local newspaper, TV, and radio stations for contacts.

·  Local dispute resolution programs.