Nations Home Remodelers, Inc. gets feedback from a homeowner

Today we received some exceptional feedback from a homeowner on one of our recently completed hail damage restoration projects. The homeowner asked that we share his experience with other potential customers. Please see below the unedited note from Thomas D. of Laurel, Maryland.

Dear Henry:

As you are aware my home and my new vehicle were damaged in a hail storm that struck Laurel, Maryland on August 18, 2011. At the time of the storm I had just made the first payment on my new truck. I was less than happy that the truck suffered damage so soon after the purchase. I immediately filed an auto insurance claim with Nationwide and got the hail damage repaired on my truck. I didn't move so quickly on the house because I didn't know what to look for and I didn't see any damage. In October after seeing a yard sign nearby I reached out to your company about having my house inspected for possible hail damage. My initial meeting was with Ray Whitten, Jr. your insurance recovery specialist. Ray quickly pointed out hail damage and explained to me the entire insurance restoration process. I thanked Ray for his time and decided I should spend some time researching your company before committing to anything. In speaking to neighbors and the BBB I found that your company has an excellent reputation and an A+ rating with the BBB. I didn't contact Nationwide until late December so any delays in getting my home restored were clearly a result of my own procrastination. This was the first homeowners insurance claim I have ever filed and Ray's guidance was very helpful. As soon as I filed my claim I notified Ray so that I could utilize Nations Home Remodelers, Inc. to restore my home. Ray and Chris came by my home within days to document the hail damage and have some papers signed. On January 10, 2012 Nationwide sent an insurance adjuster to my home to inspect and assess my hail damage. Ray and Chris assisted the adjuster during this inspection and all went well. Within days I had a report and a check from the insurance company to get the work started. Your office reviewed the report and found out that numerous items totaling several thousand dollars were not included on the report. I never would have caught these items without your company's help. A supplement went out from your office to Nationwide almost immediately requesting coverage for the items missing from the initial report. A few phone calls and emails later another larger check and new report were issued by Nationwide. Within days my new roof went on and "WOW" what a difference, it looks great. The following week my hail damaged garage door was replaced with french doors and they too look great. I had long intended to turn the garage into a gym and now it is happening thanks to your efforts. The next week brought out the siding crew who worked in very cold weather and through the weekend to complete the exterior makeover of my home. I should also mention that you personally stopped by my project several times as the work was in progress to make sure that all went well. I am grateful for your extreme attention to detail. To say I am thrilled with the work is an understatement. My house went from plain and drab to the nicest looking one in the neighborhood in a matter of weeks. I am happy to say that I have decided to move forward with your suggestion to use Nations Home Remodelers to replace the windows on my home which will be taking place in the next several weeks. I will not hesitate to recommend Nations Home Remodelers, Inc. to anyone in need of a contractor. You and your team have done an exceptional job and for that I am very thankful. Please share my comments with anyone who may benefit from hearing about my great experience with your company.

Sincerely,
Thomas D.
Laurel, MD

Better Business Bureau advice on hiring a home improvement contractor

Nations Home Remodelers, Inc. wants to make sure you make an informed decision when choosing a contractor to work on your home. We have over 20 years in business as a locally owned and operated company. We are in good standing with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission and we are accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Our goal is your complete satisfaction. Please see the below article from the Better Business Bureau website about choosing a contractor to work on your home. After you get a better understanding of how important it is to do business with a reputable, licensed, and insured contractor we hope you will choose Nations Home Remodelers, Inc. to take care of your home. We can be reached at 301-847-8800 or via the web at Nations Home Remodelers Home Page

Planning Your Project

Before selecting a remodeling contractor, you should carefully plan your project from start to finish. For example, if your project involves a room addition, determine exactly what your needs are, how the room is to be used, and what you want the completed job to look like. It is a good idea to coordinate your color schemes and draw a simple floor plan using miniature tables and chairs to lay out the room arrangement.

Be specific in explaining to the contractor what you want, and be sure to approve any architectural plans that are involved in the remodeling job before the contractor begins the work.

Hiring a Contractor

It is extremely important to compare costs before making a financial commitment toward any home improvement project. You should solicit at least two or three bids from prospective contractors—bids based upon the same building specifications, materials, labor, and time needed to complete the project.

Discuss bids in detail with each contractor, making certain you understand the reasons for any variations in the prices. Do not automatically choose the lowest price. One contractor's bid might be higher because the materials to be used are of a better quality or because the work will be especially thorough and, therefore, require more time and labor.

Ask the remodeling contractor for local references and find out if these customers were satisfied with the contractor's work. If possible, visit and inspect their completed projects.

Find out if the contractor is a member of a professional association which has standards or a code of ethics for remodelers.

Contact your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn how long a contractor has been in business and if the firm has been responsive to any complaints filed with the BBB.

Another important matter to consider before hiring a contractor deals with insurance. Ask the contractor if the company is insured against claims covering worker's compensation, property damage, and personal liability in case of accidents. Then call to verify the contractor's insurance coverage after obtaining the name of the carrier and agency.

Finally, check with your state, county, or city housing authority to see if the contractor must meet certain licensing and/or bonding requirements in your area. If so, make sure your contractor is properly licensed and bonded. Never pay a contractor for the entire job in advance and avoid paying in cash whenever possible.

Home Improvement is not an exact science. Expensive hidden problems can be uncovered once work has begun.

Financing Your Project

To obtain financing for your home improvement project you may want to consider a personal or bank loan, a home equity loan, a loan from your credit union or insurance company, or a loan from a savings and loan institution. While your contractor may be able to assist you in securing the needed financing, it is important that you investigate the various sources of funding and compare the amounts, interest rates, terms, and tax considerations.

If you cannot pay for a home improvement project without a loan, it is a wise idea to put a clause in your contract with the remodeler stating that the agreement is valid only if financing is obtained.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans for home improvements are available through certain banks and other lending institutions. However, FHA requires that the lender approve any contractor associated with the loan request and will not guarantee the work or the contractor. Be wary of any contractor who tells you that he/she has been approved or endorsed by the FHA.

If your home improvement project results from an accident or natural disaster that is covered by insurance, check with your insurance company to determine the extent of coverage before signing a contract to have the damages repaired.

Getting a Building Permit

Building codes are established by most cities, towns, and counties and may vary considerably from one jurisdiction to another. Your contract should state that the work is performed in accordance with all applicable building codes and zoning regulations in the area where you reside.

A building permit is generally required when performing structural work or when a home’s basic living area is changed. Separate permits for electrical, heating, or plumbing work are required in some cases. Check with your local department of licensing and permits when starting a job to learn if a building or work permit is required.

If the project does, in fact, require a building permit, the contractor should apply for it in his or her name. Thus, if the contractor's work does not pass inspection, you cannot be held financially responsible for any corrections that must be made. Terms regarding the application of any permits should be outlined in the written contract.

When a government agency issues a permit for home improvement work, it will inspect the work when that work has reached a certain stage to make sure it complies with various codes and regulations. It is the responsibility of the contractor to arrange for these inspections.

Contract Negotiations

Terms and Conditions: All agreements and oral promises regarding a home improvement project should be put in writing to protect both the customer and the contractor. If you intend to do some of the work yourself or hire another contractor to do it, such terms should be written into the contract as well. The written contract should also include:

A thorough description of the work to be done—specifying all materials to be used in terms of quality, quantity, weight, color, size, brand name, etc.;

Agreed upon starting and completion dates;

Total cost, with a breakdown of labor and material charges;

A payment schedule;

Any warranties and guarantees of workmanship;

The method for debris and material removal once the job is finished; and

A clause which states your right to cancel the contract within three business days if you sign it in your home or at a location other than the contractor’s permanent place of business. This clause should also state that the contract is null and void or will be renegotiated if the job uncovers unexpected or hidden problems or damage after work has begun.

In addition, make sure the written contract includes:

The contractor's full name

Address

Telephone number

Professional license number

Never sign a partial or blank contract. Read every contract clause carefully and ask any questions you may have before signing. Retain a copy of the contract once it is signed, and file it in your records.

You should make every attempt to pay a minimal or no downpayment for supplies or services; especially if you have not done business with a contractor in the past. You should not make any payments for incomplete work. Schedule payments at weekly or monthly intervals or after completion of each phase of the project. All of these terms should be spelled out in the contract and clearly understood by both you and the contractor.

Cancellation Rights: When you sign a home improvement contract in your home and in the presence of a contractor or contractor's representative, you have three business days in which to change your mind and cancel the contract. The contractor is required to tell you about your cancellation rights and provide you with any cancellation forms. If you cancel, it is recommended that a notice of cancellation be sent to the contractor by certified mail, with a return receipt request.

Never make final payment or sign an affidavit of final release until you are satisfied with the work done and know that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid.

Lien Protection: For a large remodeling job that involves several subcontractors and a substantial financial commitment, you should protect yourself from liens against your home if the primary contractor does not pay his or her subcontractors or suppliers. You may do this by adding a release-of-lien clause to the contract or by placing your payments in an escrow account until the work is completed.

Warranty Clause: Any warranty offered on products by the contractor should be in writing and scrutinized carefully. Make certain you understand all the terms and conditions, including the length of the warranty. The warranty must state whether it is a FULL warranty that gives the consumer certain automatic rights or a LIMITED warranty that restricts certain consumer rights.

Quick Check List

Before selecting a remodeling contractor, you should do the following: 

Plan your project from start to finish.

Be specific in explaining exactly what you want.

Be sure to approve any architectural plans that are involved before the contract work begins.

Compare costs before making a financial commitment.

Discuss bids in detail with each contractor.

Ask the contractor for local references and find out if he or she is a member of a professional remodelers association.

Contact your Better Business Bureau to learn how long a contractor has been in business.

Find out if a contractor is insured against claims covering worker’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability.

Check with state, county, or city housing authorities to be sure that a contractor meets all area licensing/bonding requirements.

Choosing a Home Improvement Contractor in Maryland

Nations Home Remodelers, Inc. is a 20 year old locally owned and operated, BBB accredited, licensed home improvement contractor located in Beltsville, Maryland. Our Maryland Home Improvement Commission license number is: MHIC #40003. Nations Home Remodelers can be found on the internet at the Nations Home Remodelers Home Page.

Below are tips and information from the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website. The Maryland Home Improvement Commission is the agency within DLLR that monitors and regulates the home improvement industry. Rather than translate the state governments suggestions we have simply decided to post them for you. 

DLLR's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing - Maryland Home Improvement Commission

Chuck with a Truck - Don't be an unlicensed contractor's next victim! What to do if you meet Chuck with a truck just trying to make a buck.

Chuck is any unlicensed home improvement contractor. He's very friendly when he's trying to get your money. Once you pay him, he may disappear or never return your phone calls; he may do a terrible job and cost you more money to have a licensed, reputable contractor repair his mess. Sometimes you see his flyers on your door or a nearby store. He also advertises on the Internet or in the local paper. Sometimes he shows up at your door and says he's working in the neighborhood. He may be a friend or a friend of a friend. No matter how you meet Chuck with a truck, he's bad news. You should stay away to protect yourself and your money. Is it really worth it to save a buck with Chuck when it comes to your family's safety? You could lose much more, including your home.

Ten facts you need to know about unlicensed home improvement contractors

1. It is a crime to act as a home improvement contractor, subcontractor or salesperson in the State of Maryland without an MHIC license.
2. An unlicensed contractor may have a criminal history of violent crimes; he may be on probation. Perhaps he's also ripped off other homeowners.
3. Each year, unlicensed home improvement contractors defraud Maryland homeowners of millions of dollars by cheating and stealing.
4. Often unlicensed contractors charge for work they never perform or for unnecessary repairs.
5. Elderly homeowners are favorite targets of unlicensed contractors.
6. Many unlicensed contractors come to Maryland from other states, so recovering money or stolen items can be very difficult.
7. Often an unlicensed contractor will quote a very low price and then demand more money or engage in a "bait and switch" scam.
8. If a home improvement ad, contract, or vehicle, says "Licensed and Bonded," the individual is most likely not licensed and has no bond. Bonding companies typically do not issue performance bonds for residential jobs.
9. Unlicensed contractors drive vehicles with no MHIC number posted on the sides of the vehicles. Sometimes the MHIC number is a fake, so it's important to check with MHIC to see if the license number is valid and was issued to the individual who offers the home improvement service.
10. Many unlicensed contractors held a MHIC license in the past and had their license revoked because they performed shoddy work, failed to complete jobs, or for other violations of law.

Chuck's Top Five Favorite Scams

1. "I'm in the area and have some extra materials in my truck. I noticed your driveway needs repair. I can help you today and only charge you half price."
2. "I am working in the area so I can give you a special deal because my operating costs are low."
3. "If you pay cash, I can give you a better deal."
4. "The job is much bigger than I thought - I need more money."
5. Charging for new materials or items and then installing used or stolen materials.

Don't Be Chuck's Next Victim

Ask to see every contractor's MHIC license and then check with MHIC to make sure the license is still current. You may check online or call 1-888-218-5925 (toll free) or 410-230-6231 (Baltimore area).

Ask for a copy of the contractor's current general liability insurance certificate.

Ask for local references and don't hire anyone without talking to a reference. Ask to see the job and also ask the references if the contractor completed the work on time and on budget, if the contractor responded to telephone calls or email, and whether they would hire the contractor again.

If the contractor has employees who will be working at your home, ask to see a copy of a current worker's compensation insurance certificate. If the contractor tells you that he doesn't have employees because he hires subcontractors, ask to see the subcontractor license of each individual who will perform work at your residence.

If the deal is too good to be true, it probably is. Often a sweet deal ends up being very expensive to repair.

Real Examples of How Chuck Wrecks Lives

In Baltimore County, a group of 4 individuals with criminal histories, including a woman who was still on probation for previous criminal activity, stole over $30,000 from an elderly homeowner by performing unneeded and duplicative jobs over a period of months.

In Cumberland, an elderly man lost $16,000 to a group of driveway sealcoat con men. The thieves made the man drive them to his credit union to withdraw cash. The driveway sealant was a worthless mix of paint and water.

In Howard County, an individual who spent years in jail for armed carjacking and other violent crimes, advertised door-to-door to perform roof and gutter repairs.

In Prince George's County, a retired couple had a roof collapse after Chuck removed a load-bearing wall and left their home exposed to the winter cold. The couple paid him $20,000 to build an addition onto the first floor of their home.

In Wicomico County, a father-and-son team left a historic home off its foundation for over a year after taking over $50,000 from an unsuspecting homeowner. Along with dissipating the homeowner's retirement account, the work left the home structurally unsound and caused it to be condemned.

Before you hire any home improvement contractor, contact the Maryland Home Improvement Commission to make sure the contractor is currently licensed!

Questions or comments regarding the Maryland Home Improvement Commission may be directed to mhic@dllr.state.md.us.

Questions or comments regarding the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing may be directed to op@dllr.state.md.us.

Updated April 26, 2011