Protect Yourself and Your Home from Contractor Rip-offs, Scams and Shoddy Work!

As winter comes to a welcome end and we enter the spring season, homeowners inevitably will be besieged by offers, promotions and come-ons from all kinds of home improvement contractors and installers – plumbing, air conditioning, doors, windows, remodelers, landscapers -- you name it. Most will be legit...but some won't be.

Unfortunately, fraudulent contractors are extremely common in the home improvement industry…and they really seem to come out of the woodwork around this time of year. Because this area is so specialized and intimidating to many homeowners, it is easy to get taken advantage of by a disreputable “professional.”

Whether you are looking for a home improvement contractor to perform routine repairs, install equipment or perform major reconstruction and remodeling, here are a few simple tips to ensure that your home improvement contractor or installer is on the up and up.


Get It In Writing
Make sure to thoroughly read and understand the written contract for your home improvement project before you sign. Discuss your questions and get clarification. If you are not given an estimate and a contract in writing, or if your contractor is unwilling to explain things to you clearly, hire someone else. If you don’t understand a contract, don’t sign it; you could obligate yourself to repairs that you are not prepared to pay for. And don’t give any oral commitments to any work; as Yogi Berra once said, “An oral contract ain’t worth the paper it’s written on!”


Cheaper is Not Always Better
When it comes to home improvements, you almost always get what you pay for. Be wary of contractors that promise things that sound too good to be true. If your instincts tell you something strange is is up, you are probably right. Cheap contractors usually use cheap materials, sell cheap equipment and employ cheap, inexperienced, low-quality labor. And that can cost you a lot more in the long run -- both in operation costs and in future repairs.

Fraudulent contractors often try to scare homeowners with news of urgent or emergency repairs…or fantastic deals that you must act upon immediately. Do not let anyone pressure you into costly repairs on the spot; seek a second or third opinion to be sure. Always shop around and get multiple estimates. Focus on getting the best value; not the best price.


Check Credentials
Is your contractor properly licensed? Can he get all the permits to legally perform your home improvement or repair? Does he have a favorable rating from the Better Business Bureau? Does he belong to professional and industry trade organizations? Does he follow the industry’s best practices? Reputable contractors can answer yes to all these questions.


Get a Referral
Word of mouth is crucial in hiring a good contractor, but you have to be sure your referral is coming from a reputable source. Never base your decision on the word of a solicitor or stranger. Instead, ask friends, family members and neighbors, or consult a referral service that provides the names and contact information for qualified, pre-screened professionals in your area. Do not just go for the cheapest price estimate—take the time to get a solid referral; you could save thousands, especially if that amazing deal offered by the door-to-door salesman turns out to be a fraud. The best home improvement contractors have been in the business for some years and have a track record of customer satisfaction.


Read Home Improvement Contractor Reviews
There are plenty of websites that offer unbiased customer reviews of local businesses and contractors – among them Yelp, Insider Pages, Angie’s List, Local.com – as well as business directory sites (Yellowpages.com etc.) and search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing. Take the time to go to these sites and check out reviews. Click Here to View a List of Customer Review Sites!


Beware of “Travelers”
“Travelers” are door-to-door solicitors that come knocking in hopes of gaining your trust and your business; this is one of the most common contractor frauds. These scam artists will talk fast, promising steep discounts on everything from roofing to bathroom remodeling. They will often cite their exclusive access to overstock building supplies as the reason for their great deals. The best way to protect yourself is to politely decline the sales pitch from the start, but you can also check the yellow pages for the name and number of the contractor at your door. If you cannot find a listing, tell him to hit the bricks.


Never Pay Up Front
No reputable contractor or installer will ever ask for payment until after the work is completed to your satisfaction, and will never require cash payment. If your contractor asks for payment up front or insists on doing a cash-only business, find a new contractor.


Do Not Get Your Own Building Permits
Another common tactic employed by fraudulent contractors is to request that you secure any necessary building permits yourself. A good contractor will do this for you — that is why you are paying him to do the work.


If You Are a Victim of a Fraudulent Contractor...
If you think you have been a victim of a fraudulent contractor, take immediate action to fix the situation. Consult a lawyer to find out if you have any legal recourse and report the incident to your local Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau. You may also need to involve local law enforcement if you believe a crime such as larceny or identity theft has been committed.


Check Out Our Contractor Checklist!
Horizon Services offers a 21-Point Contractor Checklist covering all the primary questions you need to ask BEFORE you select any home improvement contractor. It’s MUST-READING for all homeowners thinking of making any home improvement. Click Here!



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Energy Efficient Home Improvements Can Help Your Bottom Line at Tax Time!

As you probably know, the Federal Government has been offering tax credits up to $1,500 for homeowners who make energy-efficient improvements to their homes -- everything from installing energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems to new water heaters to new windows, doors and roofs. Not only are these incentives a great way to save cash now and in the future, they're stimulative to the economy and help improve our environment.

But there are some things about these tax breaks you probably don't know. For one thing, the $1,500 tax credit is currently set to expire on December 31, 2010--and that deadline is rapidly approaching. Some people think that means they only need to purchase a new energy-efficient improvement by that date to get the tax credit. NOPE. In order to get the tax credit, you not only need to make the purchase, but you need to have it INSTALLED by December 31, 2010. So if you've been thinking of investing in a new energy-efficient heating system, air conditioning system, hot water heater or any green home improvement, TIME IS REALLY RUNNING OUT. Act now!

Another little known fact is that for higher-end renewable energy sources like solar or geothermal power, you can claim a tax credit of up to 30% of your cost. Since these alternative systems are usually much more expensive to install, these credits can seriously offset your costs. Furthermore, this high-end credit can be used toward the Alternative Minimum Tax liability and unused credits can be carried over to the next tax year.

Naturally, not every heater, air conditioner or other piece of equipment qualifies for the $1,500 tax credit and other green tax breaks; there are restrictions. So before you buy, make sure you have all the facts. You can find a complete list of all the federal green tax credits as well as full details and qualifications for each at http://www.energytaxincentives.org/.



Green Tax Breaks in YOUR State

In addition, most states now offer their own green tax credits on top of the federal program. Unfortunately, the current economic climate has dramatically affected many state green programs. Because, unlike the federal government, states are not allowed to operate with a budget deficit, many states are having to make spending cuts that are likely to impact or even eliminate state tax credits altogether. This has made several state programs very selective about when and how credits are offered.

If your state does offer a generous green tax break, be sure to do your homework to make sure you’ll qualify before undertaking a big project. Some states, like New York and California, limit green credits based on project completion dates and other qualifying criteria.

A comprehensive list of green tax credits organized by state is available at http://www.dsireusa.org/.



Additional Considerations About Green Tax Breaks:

Don’t assume anything. Not all green improvements are subjected to federal or state tax breaks and there are certain qualifications—like purchasing approved equipment or using a certified contractor—that have to be met. Get all the facts before you begin a project.

Many green tax credits are available only to contractors, not homeowners or do-it-yourselfers. Talk to a trusted professional about your options and shop around to find someone willing to pass along their tax break to you in the form of lower costs.

Get out your calculator and figure how state and federal credits will work together to impact your project’s bottom line. A renovation that seems completely out of reach for your budget may cost significantly less when you combine both state and federal incentives. On the other hand, you may not be getting as much of a break as you think if your project only qualifies for one and not the other.



Related Information from Horizon Services...

• Horizon Heating & Air Conditioning Installation & Replacement
• Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency Extended Through 2010
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• 101 Ways to Save Energy and Money in Your Home

In this economy, many homeowners are turning to home remodeling and improvement as a safe investment and to increase their home's resale value. Bathroom remodeling is usually the area where most homeowners fix their initial attention.

While do-it-yourself bathroom renovation can be extremely invigorating and empowering when it’s successful, it can be totally devastating and overwhelming when it fails. If you think you want to take on a major bathroom project, here are a few things you should try to avoid.

• Don’t pick a design that’s too trendy. Most new or updated bathrooms should last ten years or more, so don’t choose design elements or plumbing fixtures that are overly modern. These “in” looks can become dated quickly and you’ll be left with a dysfunctional room that you’ll have to live with for years. Instead, go with classic designs that mesh well with the rest of your home’s style.



• Don’t forget about storage. It’s nice when a bathroom looks great, but if it doesn’t work as a functional space then you’ve wasted your time and money. Mix open display shelving with closed cabinets for a balance of style and privacy, organization and aesthetic.



• Don’t do carpets. Sure, carpeting will feel great on your bare feet when you step out of the shower or tub, but it will also trap moisture, odors, bacteria and stains. Not pretty. Choose bathroom flooring that’s easy to clean and can withstand the dampness and humidity.



• Don’t go crazy with color. Just because toilets, tubs and sinks come in different colors doesn’t mean you have to buy them. Opt for simple, tasteful colors—think white—and an understated presentation. Use flooring, decorative tiles and accessories to give pops of color.



• Don’t go it alone. Bathroom remodeling might seem simple, but it can often require complicated pipe work and plumbing repair that only comes to light after you start. If you don’t know what you’re doing, engage the services of a reputable contractor or plumber before you begin the project. Otherwise you may find yourself knee deep in disaster.



• Don’t expect it to go smoothly. There’s no such thing as just doing a bathroom renovation. Make careful plans, choose good quality materials, and make sure you can afford 10-15% more than your projected budget before you begin—unforeseen costs can add up quickly. It also makes total sense to hope for the best but plan for the worst.



• Don’t fall in love with impracticality. Yes, those decorative Spanish tiles are fantastic, but will you be cursing yourself in a month when you’re on your hands and knees trying to scrub them clean? Does that state of the art sink require total overhaul of your pipe work? Are your materials going to be durable enough to withstand every day wear and tear?



• Don’t cut corners. Bathrooms and kitchens return the most on investment when it comes time to sell your home, so this is not the time to be cheap. A good general rule: Anything that’s going inside your walls should be top quality—pipes, insulation, heating units, electrical elements, etc. You can shop the bargain bin for things like paint, some fixtures and accessories. Compare prices and keep notes to help you weigh cost versus value.

More About Plumbing and Bathroom Remodeling...

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Just as tuning up your car on a regular basis is essential to keep it running efficiently and dependably, regular care and maintenance is just as important for your home heating system. Heating system manufacturers recommend that you have your furnace and heating equipment completely cleaned and tuned every year, and there are good reasons for this. Yearly furnace tune-ups can reduce your heating bills as much as 10%. They also help spot and correct problems and prevent them from causing breakdowns; and they even help extend the life of your equipment.

It's usually best to perform your furnace tune-up just before the winter season kicks in. You'll have the confidence of knowing that your heating system is in tip-top shape for the winter ahead. You'll also beat the winter rush of tune-up procrastinators and those who need to schedule service because their heating systems have broken down.

In addition to getting annual tune-ups, here’s a list of simple things you can do year-round that will help keep your home heating system running smoothly.

• Install a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat can help you reduce unnecessary load, wear and tear on your furnace...as well as reduce your energy consumption. You can set your thermostat so that your heating system only runs when you're at home. It will automatically turn on or off at pre-determined times. You can also set temperatures to automatically adjust at different times of the day or night. Most programmable thermostats go for about $150...but they can pay for themselves in no time!



• Be a Frequent Filterer: Check your furnace filters every month or two during the heating season, and if need be, replace them. Your Horizon heating service technician can show you how to do this.



• Check for Smoke Signals: Be alert to trouble signals such as black smoke rising from the chimney, soot collecting at the burner, strange odors, or surging water in a boiler. These may indicate malfunction or improper adjustment, and you should get professional help.



• Achieve Balance: If you have hot and cold spots in your home, or if one area of your home is getting more heat than it needs, your heating system probably needs to be balanced. A heating technician can do this for you.



• Plug Those Leaks: Once a year, inspect your heating ducts to look for air leaks. You can repair them with quality duct tape. Also inspect windows and doorways for drafts -- seal with caulk or install draft guards.



• Insulate Yourself: Heating ducts and water or steam pipes that pass through unheated areas, such as attics, crawl spaces and basements should be covered with duct insulation or unfaced R-11 insulating batts or blankets. This adds up to energy saved for you.



• Be a Dust Buster: If you have radiators, convectors, or baseboard heating units, vacuum them regularly. Dust acts as insulation and wastes heat. Also, clean your furnace's fan blades at least once a year and keep the area around the furnace free of dust, lint and litter.



• Let it Bleed: Once a year, you should bleed the air from hot-water radiators, because air in the lines inhibits circulation. Just open each radiator valve, hold a cup under it and keep it there until water begins to come out. This gets rid of the air.



• Use the Right Paint: For the best performance, paint radiators with special radiator paint. Your hardware store can provide this for you. A quality oil-based paint is recommended; it is more heat-resistant and durable than latex paints. Also, if you paint your radiator black, it will generate more heat than if you paint it white or a neutral color.



• Don't Block the Flow: Don’t block air inlets and outlets, including radiators, with furniture, drapes or clothing.

Related Information:

• Horizon Heating Services
• Horizon's Famous 21-Point Furnace Precision Tune-Up