Officials: Be Careful In Hiring For Home Repairs

by WBALTV | wbaltv.com | October 1, 2010


State officials are urging homeowners to be careful when choosing a contractor to repair damage from Thursday's severe weather.

Alexander M. Sanchez, secretary of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, said residents can be taken advantage of if they're not careful.

"Too often, unlicensed contractors arrive after harsh conditions, such as this week's storm and flood, with offers to help when their true intent is to take advantage of people in distress," he said. "Often the first available or the cheapest contractor is not the best choice."

Homeowners who use licensed home improvement contractors are protected by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission's Guaranty Fund. This fund is administered to compensate homeowners who suffer economic damages at the hands of a licensed home improvement contractor.
 
No coverage is provided to the homeowner if the contractor is unlicensed.

"Homeowners should remember the law requires contractors to hold a current license in order to perform home improvement, electrical, plumbing or heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work,” said Stanley J. Botts, DLLR's commissioner of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

Consumers may contact DLLR's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing at 410-230-6001 or click here to check the licensing status and complaint history of any contractor.

Be sure you're covered with your own Clinton MD Home Insurance policy through Jones & Associates.