In
response to last week’s flooding in Schuyler and Seneca Counties, which left
many property owners with extensive damage, New York State officials have
released a list of tips for consumers to avoid being scammed, when hiring a
contractor:
• Be specific about what work you want
done.
• Educate yourself about the required
permits – don't rely solely on the contractor.
• Shop around.
• Get references and check them.
• Get proof of insurance from the
contractor.
• Check licenses (if required).
• Never pay the full price upfront.
• Always put work to be done in writing,
including all add-ons.
• Know where your payments are going.
• Never do business with a contractor
who is unwilling to abide by any of the conditions above.
New
York State law requires every home improvement contractor, before beginning
work to provide the consumer with a written contract to be signed by both
parties that sets out certain specific information and disclosures, including:
• Proposed start and completion dates;
• Particular description of the work to
be done;
• Materials to be provided; and
• Notice that the consumer has an
unconditional three-day right to cancel the contract without penalty.
In
addition, the law requires that any advance deposits taken by the contractor
must be placed into an account at a banking institution separate from the
contractor’s other funds. The contractor must notify the consumer of the
banking institution at which the deposit is kept.
If you
feel you have been victimized, please feel free to contact the New York State Attorney
General's Office at 1-800-771-7755 or local law enforcement agencies in your
area.
