The decision to hire a home remodeler can be intimidating. This section will give you the tools and inside information on finding, evaluating, hiring and working with a remodeler. Your home is your biggest investment, and the best way to protect it is by hiring an ethical, professional remodeler. Let’s get started! Find a Professional When you hire a remodeler, you are buying a service rather than a product. The quality of the service the remodeler provides will determine the quality of the finished product and your satisfaction. Get a List: The first step to hiring a professional is to build a list of candidates, and flipping through the Yellow Pages is not the ideal method. Learn the best way to begin your search. The Inside Scoop: Once you have your list of remodelers, how do you properly evaluate their credentials? Get the inside information on what to ask and look for in home contractors. Evaluate References: You don’t want to just question the remodeler, but also learn first hand from the remodeler’s current and [...]
Capital Improvement Tax Eliminated
The Governor has withdrawn the Capital Improvement Tax…due in part to the determination and tireless efforts of Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, NYSBA and STHBRA Leaders. This is one item on the list of taxes that will be eliminated from the proposed 2009-2010 Executive Budget: Eliminate Proposed Limitation on the Capital Improvement Exemption. The Executive Budget would have limited the capital improvement exemption under the tax code to new construction, a new addition to existing construction, or complete reconstruction. This proposal is no longer recommended. (2009-10 Impact: $120 million, 2010-11 Impact: $160 million). This is Good News for our area and this industry!!!
Flood Victims: Beware of Unscrupulous Contractors
We can be proud that neighbors in our area have pulled together to help each other after our recent floods. Now, it’s time to pull together again as we try to rebuild lives and homes. On behalf of Southern Tier Home Builders & Remodelers Association, we’d like to warn you about another potential disaster: unscrupulous contractors. Beware Of These Warning Signs: You’re told that on this job, a contract “won’t be necessary.” You’re asked to pay for the entire job “up front”—or pay cash to a salesperson instead of a check or money order to a company. You are confronted with scare tactics. You’re told you’ve been “chosen” as a demonstration project at a special, low price. You’re told a low price is good only if you sign a contract today. The contractor won’t give you references—or the references can’t be located. You can’t verify the contractor’s business address. Need Help Finding A Contractor? If a contractor you feel is not being upfront has contacted you, please contact Southern Tier Home Builders & Remodelers Association [...]