Homeowners: When it Comes to Home Improvement … Who Do You Trust?
Home improvements are one of the best ways to enhance your home’s value. Protect your investment every time you embark on a project.
Consumer Tips:
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Do your research and brainstorm about all the projects that you want done. Have a complete idea of what needs to be done before contractors arrive.
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Get several bids in writing from different contractors. Don’t automatically go with the lowest bidder. Remember that estimates should be free of charge.
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Talk to previous customers about their experiences with prospective contractors and don’t forget to share your good experiences with members of your community.
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Do not pay the full amount until the work is fully completed.
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Check with your local BBB or other consumer review resources, such as Haystack and Team Dave Logan, to see if your contractor consistently delivers satisfactory work.
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Consider alternative energy resources.
What are your options if they are not regulated at state or local levels? – Take initiative to check out references, referrals, and third party reviews from organizations like the Better Business Bureau, Haystack or Team Dave Logan . Remember, ‘word of mouth’ is still the most effective free advertisement there is – both good and bad - so ask around.
Permits
A permit to inspect the work is for your safety—don’t let a contractor talk you out of it! Permits also protect you on do-it-yourself projects to make sure the job was completed safely (DORA recommends hiring licensed professionals whenever possible). In some cases, DORA issues permits and in others, permits are available through your city or county offices of inspection.
Electrical permits, in general, are required for the following:
• Temporary power
• When building a new house or other structure, such as a shed with power
• Additions to existing homes or buildings
• Remodeling projects where new wiring is required or existing wiring is moved or modified
• When adding central air conditioning
• Electrical service upgrades or replacement of obsolete electrical equipment, such as circuit breaker panels
• Anytime new electrical wiring is added to existing systems
• When installing a solar/wind/alternative energy systems
Plumbing permits, in general, are required for the following:
• When building a new house or other structure involving plumbing or gas piping
• When adding to or altering the drain, waste, and vent (DWV) system of an existing installation
• When replacing a water heater
• When installing a new or altering a fuel gas system or piping in a house or structure
• When adding to or altering the domestic potable water system in a house or building
• When installing any type of solar plumbing system that could directly affect the potable water supply
State Electrical Inspection Areas State Plumbing Inspection Areas
Related Links
National Home Builders Remodelers Council and National Association of Home Builders State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors |
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