Do Your Homework...Hire a Reputable Builder or Remodeler in PA

(2011-05-17)

Hiring
a Reputable Builder or Remodeler in Pennsylvania

If you are ready to build a new home or remodel an existing
one, you've come to the right place. 
Doing your research upfront is the single most important step that you
can take before entering into a contract to have work performed by a
contractor.

Home building or remodeling companies are only as good as
their reputation.  Most companies are in
business to stay and they can only do so to the extent that they have satisfied
customers.

Do
your homework and use this checklist to help you select a builder or remodeler.

• Do
       they belong to the Blair/Bedford Builders Association?  BBBA members are respected professionals
       in their communities and have access to the latest industry information
       and training.  Click on our member
       directory to get a list of our members and their services.


• How
       long have they been in business?  It
       takes three to five years to establish a financially sound business.  Our builder members must have been in
       business for a minimum of three years to make application to our
       association.


• Will
       the builder/remodeler provide you with names of previous customers?  Ask these references if they would hire
       the builder/remodeler again. 


• Have
       you seen their work - both completed and in progress?


• Are
       they accessible?  Do they have a
       permanent business address and telephone number?  Remember, you will need to be in
       constant contact with him/her throughout the construction project.


• Will
       they provide you with a clearly written contract?  (More about this a little later; please
       see Home Improvement Law below)


• Be
       cautious of unusually low-priced bids. 
       Always get more than one bid.


• Ask
       your contractor if he/she builds to the Pennsylvania state-wide building
       code.  Also, ask if his/her
       subcontractors also build to this code. 
       Remember, it's the law.


• Ask
       your contractor to provide proof of liability and workers' compensation
       insurance. 

Have you heard about the Home
Improvement Consumer Protection Act?

This law has been effect since July 1, 2009.  It requires all home improvement contractors
that work in Pennsylvania
to be registered with the State Attorney General's Office.  New home construction is exempt from this
law.

Anyone who owns or operates a home improvement business or
who offers, performs, or agrees to perform home improvements in Pennsylvania must  register with the Office of the Attorney
General unless they are specifically exempt. 
Exemptions include: A contractor that does less than $5,000 in home
improvements in a calendar year and Home Improvement Retailers with a net worth
of greater than $50 million dollars. 
However, subcontractors and independent contractors that perform work
for these retailers must  be registered.

Some highlights of this law and
what you, the consumer, should look for:

• The
       contractor must include proof of registration, ( PA # registration number)
       on all advertisements distributed within the Commonwealth, on all
       contracts, estimates, proposals, on business cards and vehicles if so
       lettered with his/her name.


• Any home
       improvement work in excess of $500 must have a written contract with some
       minimal language to include: contractor registration number; signed by
       both parties; details the entire agreement between both parties; the date
       of the transaction; a physical address and telephone number of contractor
       (PO Boxes do not count); must contain an approximate starting date and
       completion date; includes a description of work to be performed specifying
       materials; includes the total sales price; includes the amount of the down
       payment; the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any subcontractors
       that will be used on the job; must maintain at least $50,000 liability
       insurance and the contract must include a right of rescission clause to
       permit cancellation of said contract within three business days.


• This
       law also requires any alterations to the above stated contract to be
       executed only with a written change
       order. 

While this law requires contractors to register with the
State Attorney General's Office, it is not an endorsement of their honesty or
integrity of work.  To see if your
contractor is registered, visit http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/
and also check to see if any complaints have been registered against your
contractor. 

Any new home construction or home remodeling project is a
complicated process.  Members of the
Blair/Bedford Builders Association have invested countless hours to perform
their work in the utmost of professionalism. 
They can guide you through your project and are ready and willing to do
so.  Once again, click on our member
directory for a list of qualified builders, remodelers, realtors, banks and
retail supply firms to help guide you through your next construction project.