Down Economy, Time To Renovate Your Home?

March 21, 2011 - PRLog -- Spring is sprouting, time to put away the shovels and snow boots and time to address the lingering issue around your home. With a down economy, people tend to hold onto their money a little tighter, but there is a bright side to such times. If your home has been hit by storms, needs improving or just general maintenance now may be the time to do it.

According to ConstructionConfidant.Com, mortgage rates continue to be low, offering consumers very competitive rates if you qualify. Additionally, the lack of demand in the housing market has building materials, on average 20% lower than just two years ago. In turn, builders are slower and are offering deeper discounts than have been seen in years. All this combined means as a consumer you have one of the best opportunities to do those renovations you have put off for so long.

O.K., now the bad news. Although there are many full competent contractors out there, there are also the seedy ones who only want to improve their wallets, not your homes. The Office of Consumer Affairs estimates that 20-40% of all contractors that advertise are not properly licensed/registered or insured. Also, According to the Annual Consumer Complaint Survey, Home Improvement/Contractors ranked numbers three and six out of all complaints. Adding to this is the down economy, with that it seems like anyone with a pick-up truck and a hammer calls themselves a contractor, and that can be bad for your wallet and safety.

So what can you do to protect yourself? ConstructionConfidant.Com says, "always get three quotes, never give in to door to door salesman or high pressure sales tactics, and never pay cash to anyone for any reason. You may need to document your payments in court". They also cautioned against using "Handymen" that say they do it all, fact is, in most communities you need a specific license to do electrical, plumbing and HVAC work. These laws are there for your safety, don't bypass them.

To learn more about Contractor Scams and Fraud and to learn other great tips to make sure your project is a success visit ConstructionConfidant.Com

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We are an online company that works with our clients to prevent contractor fraud and poor workmanship. We verify all contractor's licenses, registration, and insurances. We also review scope of work and contracts to insure the best project possible.