The members of the Bucks County Crimes Against Older Adults Task Force warn residents that after a long, snowy winter and as the COVID19 restrictions begin to ease up, home improvement projects will be plentiful in our area. It’s not surprising that this is also the time of year that traveling contractors begin making their rounds, hoping for business. They may say things to you such as, “we are doing a job in your neighborhood/on your street,” “we have extra material,” or they may make you a “great offer” to get the job done today. 

Unfortunately, many contractors that solicit business by going door to door are most likely not legitimate contractors. Many are not registered as Home Improvement Contractors (HIC), as required by Pennsylvania law. In order to register as an HIC there are a few basic requirements. The business must provide a physical address (not a P.O. Box), a landline telephone number, and proof of adequate insurance coverage. You can search for a contractors’ registration at https://hicsearch.attorneygeneral.gov/, or by calling the Attorney General at 717-772-2425. 

Each year around this time, we see a spike in complaints from consumers who have paid for work to be done and either the business did not come back to finish the job, or the work was subpar. And because the contractor was not registered and did not provide good contact info, the consumer is left “holding the bag.”

Please be aware of this type of contractor. If you have work or repairs that you need done, either inside or outside of your home, please be certain that: 

• The business has a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) number and shares it with you.
• Ask for the physical address and phone number of the business.
• Request a written estimate and make sure the estimate or contract has a detailed description of the work to be performed, the materials to be used, and a start and completion date. Also, if any warranty is offered, that should also be in writing. 
• Be aware of red flags and high pressure sales and time pressure tactics that try to offer a discount because they have “left over material from a job done at your neighbor’s house.” 
• Remember that any contract that is signed in your home allows a 3-day right to cancel. This statement should be in writing on the contract for it to be a legitimate, as required on a home improvement contract under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. 
• Call Bucks County Consumer Protection to inquire if there are any complaints in our database against the contractor you are considering. It is also recommended that you do a web search of the business, prior to signing any contract, to check out online reviews from other consumer experiences with the company. 
• If you decided on a contractor, they may request a one-third deposit up front. It is not recommended, nor is there any reason to pay in full until the work is completed to your satisfaction. Once the bill is paid in full, there is no incentive for the business to come back and complete the work. 
• It is a red flag if the company name written on the vehicle is different than the name of the company that you hired (make note of the license plate #), or if the license plate is from “out of state.” Ask for a business card. 

For more information and tips on hiring a home improvement contractor, please go to the Bucks County Consumer Protection website at www.BucksCounty.org/ConsumerProtection. Go to Consumer Tips and click on “Hiring a Home Improvement Contractor” booklet.