Well it seems like this beautiful weather makes us think of certain things: baseball, some golf, beaches, cold beverages, and plenty of grilled food. But from a homeowners side, there are certain other things that the warm weather sparks interest in, and one of those is home improvement. Maybe you’ve always wanted a deck off the back of your home to have a place to grill and eat. Whatever your thoughts of home improvement may be, especially those that would improve your Connecticut home insurance policy, there are a few things you should be on the lookout for when choosing a contractor.
Perhaps the best reliable source to find a trusted contractor is through the Better Business Bureau, which is a private, nonprofit organization that provides services and programs to assist consumersand businesses. The focus of a Bureau’s activities is to promote an ethical market place by encouraging honest advertising and selling practices, and alternative dispute resolution.
Follow these tips when searching for the perfect contractor that will transform your home into the place of your dreams!
1. Like you’re back in school: Do your research -Research a contractor or handyman’s marketplace record at www.bbb.org. That simple.
2. Look at the costs and compare them– Just because it’s the least expensive bid doesn’t mean it’s the best bid. BBB recommends consumers get project bids from at least three companies before you make your pick.
3. Make sure to verify the credentials of the contractor – Verify that the company you plan to hire is registered with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, (DCP) and that workers are properly insured and bonded.
So what happens then if you do all of this, and yet unfortunately a problem a rises even with a business who’s a registered home improvement contractor? Well, as a Connecticut property owner, if you meet certain criteria, you could be eligible for up to $15,000 incompensation from the Home Improvement Guaranty Fund. The fund is a pool of money administered by the DCP, and maintained with money from annual assessments of registered contractors. So luckily there’s a safety net for you and your family if you find yourself in this type of situation. Stay tuned tomorrow as we have even more tips for finding the perfect contractor for you! In the meantime, enjoy this beautiful weather, and if you have any questions about any type of Connecticut home insurance don’t hesitate to ask!