Spring has finally arrived and many homeowners have been looking forward to the season to do renovations or additions to their homes.  This month, I will offer advice to better prepare you to plan carefully before investing your hard-earned dollars into home improvement.  Be careful of those contractors who claim to be registered, licensed and insured, but are not.  

•  Before selecting a home improvement contractor, check with your local consumer protection office (MOCI), the Attorney General's Office, the Better Business Bureau and the Office of Consumer Affairs to see if there are complaints on file against the contractor.

• Check to see that the contractor is registered with the Board of Building Regulations and Standards and/or licensed with the Department of Public Safety.

• Ask the contractor for three references and go to the job sites to see the quality of the work and materials.  Ask the homeowner if he/she had any problems with the contractor or his work. 

• Get your agreement in writing.  Never sign an incomplete contract or a blank one. Once you sign the agreement, you are bound to its terms.  Note: You may have a right to cancel the contract within three business days.

•  Contact your local building inspector before the work is started to make sure that the contractor obtained the building permit and the required periodic inspections are made.  

•  Confirm that the contractor has adequate insurance coverage and ask to see a copy of the certificates to verify that they are current.  If not, you may be liable for any injuries and damages that occur during the project.

To learn more on this subject, visit our website at Or, if you need assistance in resolving a dispute, please contact us at: www.springfieldcityhall.com

Mayor’s Office of Consumer Information (“MOCI”)

Telephone: (413) 787-6437 (se habla español)

E-mail: moci@springfieldcityhall.com