The Office of the Attorney General has received multiple complaints this summer about home-improvement contractors. As Hoosiers consider tackling home-improvement projects during the remainder of the warm-weather months, they should follow these tips:
- Always insist on a contract. This is the first step to ensuring you and any contractor are on the same page as to the scope of work and price for the project.
- Take your time. Don’t let anyone rush your decision.
- Never pay for the entire project before work begins. Any payments should be tied to the completion of specific items from the contract.
- Do your research. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for any information on a contractor before you use them. Consider contacting the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division for complaint information on contractors you are considering.
- Don’t assume a flyer or ad makes a contractor reliable. Individuals and companies engaging in outdoor home improvement frequently leave flyers and advertisements on consumers’ doors or mailboxes.
- Keep all records related to your project. This includes any contracts, receipts, warranties and correspondence (including texts and emails).
- If a contractor does not complete the work agreed upon, consider filing a complaint with the Attorney General.
In addition to the above tips, the Indiana Home Improvement Contracts Act requires home improvement contracts exceeding $150 to be in writing. The contract must also contain certain information, including: contact information for the home improvement supplier; a description of the work to be done; the approximate starting and completion dates for the work; a statement of contingencies that may change the completion date; and the contract price.
As always, consumers who believe they are the victims of scam attempts are asked to report them to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division by calling 1-800-382-5516 or going online at www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/ and clicking the “File a Complaint” box at the bottom of the page.
