Beware! This “sign of spring” in the listings at craigslist yesterday is one of the signs of spring to be wary of. Read more about this further down in this article.

It’s that time again. It’s spring time and everyone seems to be in the gardening and “fix-up” mode. It happens every year with the arrival of spring … the arrival of “rip-off” artists who come with home improvement bargains.

We’ll read and hear about homeowners getting “taken” by the charlatans who have “great deals” on roofing, blacktopping, driveway sealing and basic home remodeling projects. Beware! Learn how to not become one of those victims.

In 2008, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act.  The law requires that all contractors who perform at least $5,000 worth of home improvements per year register with the Attorney General’s Office. And, frankly, would you want a contractor who earned less than $5,000 a year working around your home?

In a press release issued by the Attorney General’s office, “Attorney General Linda Kelly urged consumers to be watchful for door-to-door home improvement contractors offering roofing, paving and other services. Kelly said that during the warmer months of spring and summer the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection sees an increase in “traveling contractor” complaints from consumers across Pennsylvania.”

“All Pennsylvania homeowners considering home repair or improvement projects should understand their rights and carefully review information about the state’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, which went into effect in July 2009.

“The law requires written contracts for all projects over $500, including specific information about the total price for a project, a state-date and end-date, details about the materials being used and an explanation of a consumer’s three-day right to cancel a contract. The law also requires contractors to register with the Attorney General’s Office and carry a minimum level of insurance.

“Tips to avoid traveling contractor scams

• Be wary of contractors who approach you with unsolicited offers or stories of ‘just being in the neighborhood.’
• Do not feel pressured by ‘special offers’ or deals on ‘left over’ materials.
• Be cautious of contractors with out-of-state license plates.
• Get multiple estimates for home improvement projects.
• Get references for recent work and check those references (ask other consumers if they were happy with the work that was performed, if there were any problems and if they would hire that contractor again.)
• Research businesses carefully before signing any contract.
• Do not conduct business with an unlicensed/unregistered contractor.
• Never pay in cash. Cash-only contractors should raise a red flag to consumers.
• Pay in full only when the job is complete and you are satisfied.
• For larger projects, costing $5,000 or more, state law requires that contractors not charge more than 1/3 the cost of the project as a down payment.

“All home improvement contractors operating in Pennsylvania are required to provide consumers with their registration number, which must be included in all contracts, estimates and advertisements.” Consumers can verify a contractor’s registration clicking here or by calling 1-888-520-6680.

Here is a listing of the contractors (with their Home Improvement Contractor license numbers)  in Columbia that are listed at the Attorney General’s database:

• Saleh Khalil, HIC #  PA073460, 230 Walnut Street, Columbia
• Stevens Electrical Service, Inc., HIC # PA001618, 430 Linden Street, Columbia
• Irvin Swisher, Jr., Contractor, HIC # PA036794, 915 Park Avenue, Columbia
• Charles A. McCarty, Contractor, HIC # PA073621, 647 Franklin Street, Columbia
• Beazley Construction Services, HIC # PA024452, 164 Blue Lane, Columbia
• William F. Smith, Contractor, HIC # PA024452, 907 Drager Road, Columbia
• Pete Heth General Contractor, Inc., HIC # PA003455, 4338 Fairview Road, Columbia
• Gene Miller General Contractor, HIC #PA082690, 1166 Drager Road, Columbia

And there are others listed with addresses in nearby towns.

Here are the ads “cut and pasted” from craigslist:

Apr 1 – NEED CHEAP HOME REPAIRS?? – (columbia,pa) skilled trade services

Apr 1 – NEED CHEAP HOME REPAIRS??? THIS IS YOUR ANSWER – (columbia, pa) household services

Apr 1 – NEED YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY REPAIRED?? CALL ME!! I FIX IT ALL! – (Columbia , PA ) real estate services

Apr 1 – BATH/KITCHEN REMODELING-FINISHED BASEMENTS-FLOORING-PAINTING-DRYWALL – (Columbia Area) household services

Apr 1 – FULL SERVICE HANDYMAN!! FREE QUOTES!!! – (Columbia Area) skilled trade services

Apr 1 – Need a Handyman for Your Rental Property?? – (Columbia Area) real estate services

By clicking through on one of the above craigslist ads, this is the identifying information:

“FREE ESTIMATES…. GREAT RATES…. FRIENDLY SERVICE…. FULLY INSURED…. REFERENCES IF NEEDED …Affordable Handyman Services, 717-314-9079″

A search of the Attorney General’s contractor database revealed these listings for registered contractors with the name  “Affordable Handyman Services” attached to them; businesses located in Brookhaven, Williamsport, Middletown, Maryland and Annville. But the phone number in the ad listing did not match any of the phone numbers of these registered businesses.

An Internet search did uncover listings with the number 717.314.9079 at River Corner Road in Conestoga and another at Locust Street, Columbia.

It’s uncertain about the business attached to the telephone number! What appears to be more certain, is that the listings at craigslist do not show a Home Improvement Contractor License Number and the name listed in the ads is not registered with the Attorney General’s database of licensed contractors.

In addition to the Attorney General’s list above, here’s advice when you’re considering hiring a contractor: (1) Call a registered contractor; (2) beware the unregistered contractor and (3) know as much as you can about whom you contract. It is your right! It is your money!

[NOTE: “The State of Pennsylvania Has no plumbing licensing requirement at this time, however, Pennsylvania PHCC is working on this. For public works projects, see the General Services website of the Pennsylvania Department of General Services. A journeyman plumber will still need a journeyman plumbing license in order to work legally. In Pennsylvania, the counties and cities issue journeyman plumbing licenses and the requirements vary. In General the journeyman plumber is required to have experience as an apprentice plumber working under the supervision of a licensed master plumber. And will need to continue working under a licensed plumber in order to pass the licensing exam set by your county or city.” (SOURCE: usaplumbing.info)