Home Improvements and Repairs

Every year, home-improvement scams are among the top 10 consumer issues in Arkansas. When contemplating improvements to your home, here are some things to consider:

Select a Contractor

Any contractor building, repairing, or doing improvements to a home costing more than $2,000 is required to be bonded and licensed by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board. Contact the board at www.aclb.arkansas.gov or (501) 372-4661 to verify a contractor’s license, the date it was issued, and whether any complaints have been filed against that contractor. Ask for recommendations from people you trust.

Insist On a Written Contract

Have a written and signed contract before any work begins on your home or property. Specifically, make sure the following information is contained in the contract:

Your name. The name, address, and telephone number of the builder or contractor.
A complete and detailed description of the work to be done and the materials to be used, including the grade, quality and quantity.
A provision requiring your written approval before any price increases are implemented or before the scope of work is expanded.
A statement that explains the builder’s or contractor’s guarantee on the work to be performed.
A starting date and, more importantly, a completion date.
A complete description of the cost of the job, full disclosure of the payment terms, and the financing costs, ifany.
Your signature and the contractor’s signature.

Use Caution in Hiring

Think twice before hiring out-of-town or unknown contractors, especially those soliciting door-to-door.
Question contractors who use terms like “special introductory offer,” “limited-time offer,” or those who offer discounts to use your house as a “model home.”
Do not fall for high-pressure tactics from contractors who want to discuss the price of the job later.
Beware of those demanding a full payment before work is finished.

When it comes to problems with home improvements and repairs, we’ve got your back, Arkansas.