What You Should Know About Home Improvement Contractors
The Law
All home improvement contractors in the District of Columbia must have a current home improvement contractor’s license in order to do business in DC. For information about the laws governing home improvement contractors in DC, see Title XVI of DC Municipal Regulations (DCMR) and DC Licensing Law 47-2851.
Guidelines to Follow When Working With a Home Improvement Contractor:
- Ask for a written estimate.
- Refuse to sign a contract that does not have all blank spaces filled in.
- Ask for proof that the contract has been approved by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).
- Ask for a copy of the contract after you sign it.
- Get two copies of a written statement of your right to cancel the contract within three business days (if you signed it in your home or at a place that is not the seller’s permanent place of business).
- Ask for names and license numbers of all salespersons or contractors who participated in negotiating the contract.
- Approve any charges that are more than the written estimate.
- Refuse to pay for work that is not covered in the contract and that you did not previously approve.
- Ask for written warranties for materials and workmanship.
- Ask for proof that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid.
- Ask for a receipt for your payment.
Not all contractors work within the law. Here are some tip-offs to potential rip-offs:
A less than reputable contractor does the following:
- Solicits door-to-door.
- Offers you discounts for finding other customers.
- Happens to have materials left over from a previous job.
- Accepts cash payments only.
- Does not list a business number in the local phone directory.
- Tells you your job will be a “demonstration.”
- Pressures you to make a decision right away.
- Offers extra-long guarantees.
- Asks you to pay for the whole job up front.
- Suggests that you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows. If you’re not careful, you could lose your home through a home improvement loan scam.
- Name, address, phone number, and license number of the home improvement contractor.
- Description of the work to be done and the materials to be used.
- Payment terms.
- Approximate start date and completion date, which should not change except by written agreement between you and the contractor.
If You Have a ProblemIf you have a problem with your home improvement project, first try to resolve it with the contractor. Many disputes can be resolved at this level. Follow any phone conversations with a letter you send by certified mail. Request a return receipt. That’s your proof that the company received your letter. Keep a copy for your files.
If you can’t get satisfaction, consider contacting these organizations for more help:
- DCRA: (202) 442-4400, dcra.dc.gov
- The Office of the Attorney General (OAG): (202) 442-9828, oag.dc.gov
- The Better Business Bureau: (202) 393-8000, mybbb.org
- National Association of Home Builders: (202) 266-8200, nahb.com
