10 Tips of Awareness

10 Tips of Awareness

Before you choose any contractor, make the right decision!

Choosing a professional home improvement business can be rewarding and will contribute a greater value to your home. New Horizons works with reliable, well known manufacturers and established product lines. Be sure that you choose a home improvement company that has the many important qualifications shown to on this page.

1.	SELECTING A COMPANY
	As an investment for not having to pay twice to get it right, it’s always a wise choice to start with a company that has a successful track record with the BBB and Angie’s List, and also one that advertises in magazines and in the Yellow Pages.

2.

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS vs. HOME-BASED BUSINESS

We can offer you a wide variety of services, as well as a vast line of products to choose from. As a professional business (as well as an Authorized Factory Direct Dealer of Windows, Doors and Siding), our showroom, establishment, relationship and representation with several manufacturers product lines can offer homeowners additional incentives. Specifically, you will receive discounts related to: Volume Pricing, Exclusivity Protection, Additional Warranties, Direct Manufacture Services, and More. Some contractors say they offer the same product lines and programs at everyday affordable prices as sold by other dealers. Some select products may be available; however, our overall program selection and pricing are much different and far reaching. As a professional business establishment that has a commercial storefront as well as a Showroom, we can offer to you, the homeowner, program exclusivity that that will save you money with your new investment.

3.	BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
	Ask to see an updated certificate if the contractor is a member of the Better Business Bureau. Also contact the Better Business Bureau to see any negative or positive reports.

4.

MISLEADING COMPANY INFORMATION & TESTIMONIALS

Be careful as to what you read when visiting a web site or reviewing company information. It is up to you as a homeowner and your investment to do your homework and make sure the information you are receiving is valid. Be extra careful when reading customer testimonials at their web sites. If you look at the testimonials closely, you will notice some of the language may be similar and you may also see only the first name and towns only. It’s very easy to create an image that you want consumers to review. If testimonials are important to you, make sure you have all of the information and go see the work for yourself. If you’re having trouble validating the information or in need of help, ask other members within your family, a friend, or someone at work.

5.

BEWARE OF MISLEADING ADVERTISING/COUPONS

Within the business of home improvements, many companies advertise their services—either online, on television or radio stations, or within printed publications. One of the product line that is well known for misleading advertising is replacement windows. In these ads, customers are often influenced by the advertised low price and/or giveaways. If you’re going to call a company based on the low price shown and/or the giveaway, ask the company for additional information prior to that having them visit your home. Several companies do not want to give out any information ahead of time because they would rather pressure you, in your home, into buying at a different scale than what they advertise. There is nothing worse than having a company and/or their representatives show up at your home with terms and/or products that are different than the advertisement that first caused you to call them.

6.

CHECK WORKERS INSURANCE & WORKMAN’S COMPENSATION

Be aware and ask to see two insurance certificates, General Liability and Worker’s Compensation, before any work is started. Be sure to also see current up-to-date documents. • General Liability: • This protects a homeowner for any damages on their premises or personal injuries. The general liability does not cover medical injuries for any of the workers. • Worker’s Compensation: • This protects a homeowner for medical injuries that may occur on the job site. Note: You as a homeowner may be liable for the expenses and/or a lawsuit if a contractor does NOT have General Liability and Worker’s Compensation insurance.

7.	CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE
	Ask to see an up-to-date contractor’s license certificate and check to see if it has a valid PA registration number. Note: A Contractor is prohibited from offering any services without a valid Pennsylvania Contractor License. Fines and legal actions can occur with an unlicensed Contractor on the job site.

8.

EPA/UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Ask to see the two EPA Lead Safe Workmanship certificates that are needed to qualify. Certificate details should include: • Certified Firm Certificate: • The company itself must be registered and certified as a Lead-Safe Certified Firm. The requirement for company certification applies to all companies including Individual/Sole Proprietors, Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies and Corporations. • Certified Renovator: • In addition to the company registration, a person working on an EPA Lead-Safe project must be a Certified Renovator. Note: All firms as either Individual/Sole proprietor, Corporation, Partnership, or a Limited liability company must be certified along with certification as an individual renovator.

9.	PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE AND REFERENCES
	Ask for a list of previous and recent job site references showing full name, addresses and telephone numbers. It’s always recommended to go and look at the finished work details and contact references.

10.

MAKE SURE YOUR CONTRACTS COMPLY WITH STATE LAWS

The current law in place for contractors states that all contracts must follow state regulations and guidelines. As a homeowner you want to protect yourself by making sure that you receive the complete scope of work, in writing, along with any other information needed with your contract. Your contract should include the following: • Company Name • The full company name. Be sure it has full and complete address information as well as a working phone number. • Sales Person/Representative Name • The full name of the representative to The full name of the representative that sold the service to you. • Contractor’s License Number • Contractor’s License number. • EPA Lead-Safe Registration Certificate • Certified Firm Registration. • Payment Procedure • Payment arrangements must be in writing. •Note: Never pay for your complete contract up front. • Cancellation Agreements • Details of cancellation agreements / right to rescind. • Insurances • The amount of liability coverage maintained by the contractor. •Note: This statement is required by state law. We recommend a minimum of $1,000,000 Liability and Personal Injury coverage. • Scope of Work • The complete details of all work including what materials are to be used, the installation procedures, and information about warranties on materials and/or workmanship. • Start Date • The approximate start date and completion time.

 

3606 LIBRARY ROAD (RT. 88)
PITTSBURGH, PA 15234

NORTH & EAST
(412) 374-9100

SOUTH & WEST
(412) 885-1900