Spring is here and so too is the unofficial start of the home improvement season. Homeowners thinking of repairing, improving, adding on or remodeling their home are being reminded by state Assemblyman David G. McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) to protect themselves against home improvement scams by obtaining brochures from the New York state Consumer Protection Board and the state Banking Department prior to starting a home improvement project.

"Home improvements, just like buying a home, are a huge investment for an individual or a family," said Assemblyman McDonough. "Prior to selecting a contractor or lender, homeowners need to be aware of their rights and how to protect against being scammed. That is why I am urging homeowners to utilize the state and local resources available to them before proceeding with a home improvement project."

How a homeowner can get a fair deal:

• prior to the start of a home improvement project, determine exactly what work you want done;
• shop for a licensed contractor;
• ask for and contact references and check to see if there are complaints against the contractors by contacting your local consumer affairs office or the New York state Consumer Protection Board;
• obtain and compare at least three written price estimates;
• insist that all promises be put in writing;
• make sure the contractor signs all papers and retain copies for your records; and,
• do not sign a certificate of completion until the work is completed to your satisfaction.

Recent statistics, according to Assemblyman McDonough, show that Americans spend almost $200 billion annually to repair, improve, or redesign their homes to make them better, safer and more enjoyable.

While most contractors in the home improvement business are reputable, each year many homeowners lose money to unscrupulous contractors who don’t perform the work, make shoddy repairs, overcharge, or urge consumers to agree to unnecessary repairs.

Indication of potential home improvement scams may include:

• unlicensed home improvement contactors;
• the contractor engages in high-pressure sales tactics, or contacts you by door-to-door sales or through telemarketing;
• bargains appear to be "too good to be true";
• the contractor’s references can’t be reached;
• there is no written contract or there are blank spaces in the contract you are asked to sign;
• the contract does not include a specified start or completion date;
• the contractor asks for all or a substantial portion or the money up front; or,
• the contractor asks you to sign a statement indicating that the work is completed before you are fully satisfied that all the work in the contract has been finished to your satisfaction.

To better protect yourself and your home by obtaining "Home Improvements Without Headaches," contact the New York state Consumer Protection Board by calling toll-free 1-800-697-1220 or visit its Web site at www.consumer.state.ny.us. The brochure contains helpful suggestions, a sample contract and contact information for lodging a complaint against or seeking information on contractors.

Additionally, if a loan is needed to pay for the home improvements, dishonest contractors may steer homeowners to a high-priced lender who may pay the contractor for the reference. Do not be steered to a bad or expensive loan. When shopping around for a home improvement contractor also shop around for a reputable lender. To protect homeowners from loans with high interest rates, expensive fees or hidden charges, the state Banking Department has a toll-free complaint number, 1-877-226-5697, or they can visit its Web site at www.banking.state.ny.us.

Locally, homeowners can contact the Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs at 200 County Seat Drive in Mineola or by calling 571-2600. Homeowners can also visit the Nassau County Web site at www.co.nassau.ny.us to obtain helpful guidelines, lodge a complaint or seek information on local contractors.