NCPHIF Blog

Scams and Rip Offs:

Actions You Can Take if You Are Victimized

January 30th, 2012 -

We know that being victimized by a scam artist or unscrupulous contractor is painful emotionally and financially. At the National Center for the Prevention of Home Improvement Fraud (NCPHIF) we  [Read More]

Paying for Your Project:

What You Need to Know About Financing Your Project

January 30th, 2012 -

If you are planning on financing your home improvement or home repair project, there are several things to keep in mind.

Don’t agree to a home equity loan if you don’t  [Read More]

Go Green, What's On Your Mind?:

Question: Should I close the HVAC vents in rooms that I’m not using?

January 21st, 2012 -

Answer to the question: Should I close HVAC vents in room that I’m not using?

Home Building Products:

Know What Products Will Be Used

January 20th, 2012 -

When shopping for any home repair product or service, be careful to always compare apples to apples. Some contractors will offer a cheaper price and then switch the product to  [Read More]

Updates from Our Executive Director:

Help us Help Others

January 18th, 2012 -

Dear Homeowner,
I wish we could wipe out home improvement, home repair, or contractor fraud completely and for good—(I like to dream big). Yet in the meantime, I know, realistically, some  [Read More]

What Your Insurance Company Says:

Flood Insurance: A Must-Have When You Need It

January 18th, 2012 -

By David Colman’s, executive director
Georgia Insurance Information Service
When a home is purchased and it is in a federally designated flood plane, the mortgage lender requires the new homeowner to obtain  [Read More]

Paying for Your Project:

Paying for Supplies

January 15th, 2012 -

To insure materials and supplies are always paid for in full, you should ask the contractor what material suppliers he will be using. Then request the supply/material invoices so you  [Read More]

Finding a Reputable Contractor:

Using Pre-Screened Contractor Referral Resources

January 15th, 2012 -

Although using a web site or service that provides pre-screened contractors may minimize the risk of contractor fraud, it does not guarantee against it.  Yet, many consumers can be lulled  [Read More]

Scams and Rip Offs:

If it Seems to Be Too Good to Be True…

January 13th, 2012 -

Has someone offered you a  “Free” Inspection?  Beware! This is probably the biggest home repair scam around. Here’s how it goes:
The person will drop by your house and offer a  [Read More]

Updates from Our Executive Director:

Things My Grandma Would Want You to Know Before You Hire a Contractor

January 13th, 2012 -

I’m the first to admit it:  there are many more good contractors than there are bad.  But if there’s one thing that gets my goat, it’s contractors taking advantage of  [Read More]

Go Green:

Paint Green

January 10th, 2012 -

More than 850 million gallons of indoor and outdoor paint was sold for use on residential, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings in 2005. The main environmental issue with paint is  [Read More]

Know Your Contract:

Your Contract “Do”s and “Don’t”s

January 8th, 2012 -

Perhaps the most important thing to know is what differentiates legitimate contractors with unscrupulous ones.  Legitimate contractors are certified, insured and/or bonded by the state and/or town where you live.  [Read More]

Contractor "Do"s and "Don't"s:

Contractor “Do Not”s

January 7th, 2012 -

Do not use a contractor who:

Do not use a contractor who is going door to door or who is calling because they are “in the neighborhood”. Often they are  [Read More]

Contractor "Do"s and "Don't"s:

Be Your Own Home Improvement/Repair Contractor

January 7th, 2012 -

Does the thought of a shady contractor scare the heck out of you?  Maybe you have decided to become your own contractor for your home improvement or home repair project.  [Read More]

Contractor "Do"s and "Don't"s:

Contractor “Do”s

January 7th, 2012 -

Always contact multiple contractors and obtain more than one estimate. Remember the lowest bid may not be the best. The lowest bidder may end up costing you the  [Read More]

Legal Issues and Concerns:

Liens on Your Property

January 4th, 2012 -

If you pay the contractor in full and he does not pay the subcontractors or the supplier, keep in mind they can file a lien against your property.  Be sure  [Read More]

Go Green:

Green Flooring

January 3rd, 2012 -

Carpeting. The carpet and rug industry uses a labeling system to identify materials with fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the carpet fiber or in the adhesives used in installation.  [Read More]

Legal Issues and Concerns:

Building Plans and Permits

January 2nd, 2012 -

Do you have a complete set of plans showing exactly what you are going to build?  Has a licensed architect or engineer reviewed your plans? Has your contractor obtained all  [Read More]

Protect Your Money:

Requests for Payment

January 1st, 2012 -

NEVER EVER PAY CASH! Pay your contractor by check or credit card so you have documentation and recourse should you need it.
Never pay for the job upfront or you may  [Read More]

Contractor "Do"s and "Don't"s:

Recognizing a Reputable Contractor

December 24th, 2011 -

Questionable contractors usually don’t like written contracts. They say things like “we don’t need a contract; we understand each other.” They want to avoid permits and building inspections (“they’re just  [Read More]

Finding a Reputable Contractor:

How to Find a Reputable Contractor

December 22nd, 2011 -

Want to find a reputable contractor?  There’s no 100% guarantee but there are several things you can do to increase your chances of working with one.

Look for a long-established company  [Read More]

Go Green:

Steps to Energy Saving Success

December 19th, 2011 -

Steps to save energy in your home

Scams and Rip Offs:

Everyday Scams

December 17th, 2011 -

Here are some scams you want to try and avoid:

The Storm Scam – Your area has just experienced a severe storm. In the middle of the storm, and/or during the  [Read More]

Scams and Rip Offs:

Beware!

December 9th, 2011 -

Be suspicious of a contractor who drives a truck with no company name and/or has out of state plates. And ALWAYS take a minute and write down the license plate  [Read More]

Go Green:

Make Your Fridge More Efficient

December 8th, 2011 -

Refrigerators are responsible for approximately 14 percent of a home’s energy use, more than any other kitchen or cleaning appliance. The average refrigerator in 2002 consumed 1,281 kilowatt hours (kWh)  [Read More]

Go Green:

Lighten Up!

December 3rd, 2011 -

Installing compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs in place of standard incandescent bulbs can save you as much as $40 a year in energy costs by changing out just one 60-watt  [Read More]

Go Green:

Reduce Your Energy Bills with the Right Roofing

November 2nd, 2011 -

Did You Know?  The heating and cooling  of your home costs the average homeowner more than $1,000 a year—nearly half the home’s total energy bill.
It’s true! Americans spend about $40  [Read More]

Protect Your Home:

Insurance Tips

October 27th, 2011 -

Call your insurance company; tell your insurance agent about your renovation plans before the work starts to make sure the project will be added/covered by your current homeowner’s insurance  [Read More]

Go Green:

Steps to Energy Saving Success

September 15th, 2011 -

Learn simple ways to save yourself money by utilizing home energy saving steps.

Scams and Rip Offs:

The Heat is On

July 10th, 2010 -

Scammers and hard core sales people know whom they want to target when it comes to getting you to hire them for your home improvement or home repair job.  They  [Read More]

Go Green:

Replacement Window Tax Credit

July 1st, 2010 -

Taxpayers purchasing replacement windows in 2009 and 2010 that meet specific energy efficiency requirements are eligible for 30% of the amount as a tax credit. This replacement window tax credit  [Read More]