Sep 23, 2009 8:00 pm US/Eastern
3 On Your Side: Hiring For Home Repairs
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
In this tough economy, many of us are holding off on doing any major home repairs. But sometimes they're unavoidable and you need to rely on a professional.
So how do you decide who to hire for the job, if you've never used them before?
3 On Your Side's Jim Donovan took a look at where you can turn to help you find the right person for the job, at the right price.
Hiring an unknown plumber, housepainter or carpet cleaner to fix a problem in your house can be a little scary. But Good Housekeeping says a little homework on your part, can really minimize the danger.
First rule of thumb in hiring any service professional, get references.
"If you hire someone you don't know from an ad or from a flyer you might have received, you might not know what kind of quality of work you are going to get," said Amy Roberts with Good Housekeeping.
Websites also offer recommendations. For a fee,
AngiesList.com has a data list of server reviews of professionals.
ServiceMagic.com is free for consumers and features an extensive questionnaire to hone in one your needs.
Before you hire the person, find out if there's a minimum charge and if the price could go up from the quote.
"If the damage is more extensive than what was initially accessed, you may end up with increased costs," said Roberts.
When possible, try to hire local.
"A professional with an hourly rate may charge you for their travel time to and from your home," said Roberts.
Be sure you're dealing with a licensed professional. Also, make sure you have a contract that spells out exactly what you'll be having done and read the contract carefully before signing.
If you live in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, the law requires that home improvement contractors be registered.
Related Links:
www.angieslist.com
www.servicemagic.com
NJ Registered Contractors:
http://www.state.nj.us/oag/ca/contractors/contractor.htm
PA Registered Contractors:
http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/hiccon.aspx?id=4502
New Castle Contractors:
http://www.nccde.org/licenseSearch
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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