FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
May 11, 2018
For More Information, contact:
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Steve Marshall
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
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Alabama Attorney General
AG STEVE MARSHALL JOINS STATE HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION AND
HOME BUILDERS LICENSURE BOARD TO PROMOTE SAFE CONSUMER
PRACTICES FOR NATIONAL REMODELING MONTH
(MONTGOMERY)– Attorney General Steve Marshall is joining with the Home
Builders Association of Alabama (HBAA) and the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board
to promote safe consumer practices in observance of May as National Remodeling Month.
Whether remodeling projects are undertaken for desired home improvements or to repair
damage caused by storms or other crises, it is important to make careful decisions and
choose reputable and qualified contractors.
“We want consumers to have information and resources that will help their
remodeling projects have a successful and happy outcome,” said Attorney General
Marshall. “Unfortunately, problems with home repairs continue to be among the top
complaints received by my consumer protection staff. Through our partnership with the
Home Builders Association and the Home Builders Licensure Board, we want to help
consumers recognize warning signs, to know the steps to find reliable and responsible
workers, and to remind scammers that home repair fraud is a serious crime.”
Between January 2017 and April 2018, the Attorney General’s Office received more
than 253 home repair complaints, with consumers claiming losses in excess of several
hundred thousand dollars. Most of these complaints involved workers who accepted
money for repair jobs they never finished or did not perform properly, or who failed to
honor warranties on home improvement projects.
“The most critical decision homeowners will make when embarking on a
remodeling project is choosing the right professional for the job,” said HBAA Remodelers
Chair Elliott Pike. “HBAA members are committed to the industry, committed to quality
construction and integrity, and most importantly, committed to the customer.”
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501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.state.al.us Page 2 of 3
While promoting National Home Remodeling Month, the HBAA Remodelers are
also stressing the importance of consumers taking steps to protect themselves from home
repair fraud, which can be particularly threatening during storm season when fly-by-night,
unlicensed contractors often prey on vulnerable homeowners in the aftermath of tornadoes,
hurricanes and other disasters.
“Fraudulent remodelers not only hurt the consumers, but reputable remodelers as
well,” said Pike. “When consumers are ripped off, that gives all remodelers, including those
who are honest, a bad name. We want to make consumers aware of what to look for in
hiring a remodeler and help them report fraud when it happens.”
Home Builders Licensure Board Executive Director J.R. “Chip” Carden advised
consumers, “Do your homework. Call any references a builder gives you, and check with
the licensure board to see if a builder is licensed and in good standing. Don’t be in a rush. A
hasty decision can result in a bad situation.”
Attorney General Marshall, Remodelers Chair Pike, and Executive Director Carden
recommend that to help avoid home repair fraud, homeowners should:
- Verify that the remodeler is licensed by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure
Board as required by law. Ask to see the card! (Click here to see sample image of
card.) For residential construction over $10,000 a builder must be licensed by the
Home Builders Licensure Board. Plumbers, HVAC contractors and electricians must
be licensed by the state regardless of the cost of work. You may check with the
Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board to see if a contractor is licensed by calling
1-800-304-0853, or by visiting www.hblb.alabama.gov. - There also may be local permitting and license requirements, so check with local city
or county government to find out if this particular job requires a permit. Consumers
need to consider that if workers are reluctant to apply for permits in their own
names, it could be they do not want to be known to local officials and may be hiding
a bad reputation. - Investigate the reputation and experience of the remodeler. Find out as much as you
can about them, especially if they make unsolicited contact with you or have come
from out-of-town after a natural disaster. - Seek referrals from friends, family, neighbors and co-workers who have had
remodeling work done. Ask for references. Get names and addresses, and call them.
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- Check with the local Home Builders Association for names of remodeler members.
Visit www.hbaa.org or call 1-800-745-4222 for more information. - Ask for proof that they are bonded or insured. Request copies of the remodeler’s
insurance certificates to verify that he or she carries insurance that protects you from
claims arising from property damage or job site injuries. - Check with the local or state consumer protection agency or Better Business
Bureau to find out if any unresolved complaints have been filed against the
remodeler. - Don’t compare apples to oranges – when evaluating bids from contractors make sure
they are based on identical project specifications. Obtain several written estimates.
Beware of estimates that are well below the market price or seem “too good to be
true.” - Require a written contract. Under state law, licensed homebuilders must use a
written contract. Make sure it includes the contractor’s full name, address, and
telephone number; a description of the work to be performed; starting and estimated
completion dates; and the total cost of the job. - Be wary of a contractor who asks for a full payment before the job has begun. A
payment schedule should be part of your written agreement and may be tied to
benchmarks such as completing various phases of the job. Do not make final
payment until you are satisfied and all subcontractors have been paid. If they tell
you more money is needed in advance, be wary. They should be able to pay for
supplies or have credit to make necessary purchases until you compensate them
afterward. - Make sure you can contact them. Be certain to get an office number and a cell phone
number, and a physical address. Businesses with established addresses may be
safer.
“We are fortunate that there are many excellent home repair and remodeling
professionals who operate with skill and integrity,” said Attorney General Marshall. “But it
is sadly true that there are those who would take advantage of consumers with shoddy
work and scams. Our best weapons against this are consumer education and prevention,
and we encourage consumers to exercise caution and ask questions before they start a home
project.”
Attorney General Marshall’s consumer staff may be contacted by calling toll-free 1-
800-392-5658.
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