September 20, 2011 shop online at www.broadcasteronline.com Page 5 How To — Finding The Right Contractor For Your Job BY HEIDI HENSON heidi.henson@yankton.net Fall Home Improvement & Fall Car Care 2011 It has really been a rough summer for area residents. Many are looking to recover from the flooding and hail storms that plagued us. But before jumping into repairs it’s always a good idea to take your time and find the right contractor. The South Dakota Attorney General, Marty Jackley, and his office released a statement this summer reminding homeowners to be cautious of “unscrupulous business practices.” “While the vast number of contractors follow legitimate business practices, there are a handful that will seek to take unfair advantage of our flood victims,” said Jackley. “We encourage citizens to take time to evaluate and secure the right contractor to avoid becoming a victim again.” Dennis Kisch, Kisch Construction in Yankton, says he believes one of the best way to find a good contractor is by word of mouth. “It’s safer than just picking someone out of the phone book. Most important is to get references,” said Kisch. Other than references, Kisch says it is a good idea to get a copy of their insurance — better yet “get the name of their insurance company and the agent’s number so you can call and get a copy of the certificate.” You want to really have copies of things so that if something goes wrong you have a way of going back to the contractor. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises homeowners to be cautious of door-to-door contractors. They generally “only accept cash or don’t have a phone number that is associated with a valid business.” The commission also says to beware of anyone who offers you a discount because they will use materials leftover from a previous job. “There’s nothing wrong with out-oftown people coming in — it’s free enterprise... it’s what we want. But if something goes wrong...,” Kisch adds. That’s why Kisch says it’s a good idea to have an address and phone number for the contractor. “I think of the older lady or the couple that can’t get up on the roof to see what was done before they paid for it,” One suggestion Kisch offers is paying COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL GLASS REPLACEMENT ? FIND,Page 7 please Martinson Construction All work insurance approved and guaranteed. Free Mobile Service Concrete Work • Patio Work Back Hoe Work • Driveways Blading • Parking Lots Ditching • Dirt & Bobcat Work Basement Walls Bowed? We can reinforce and straighten them Call Ron Jensen, Cell 605-360-6985 an inspector to come and check the work before you pay the contractor. “That way you’ve got someone else’s opinion,” he said. “It would be the safest money you could spend.” Here are some additional suggestions for choosing the right professional for the job: • Ask for a written estimate. Make sure it includes everything you expect the contractor to do. It is also necessary to ask if there is a charge for an estimate. • Insist on a written contract. This document should contain all tasks to be performed, all costs and the payment schedule. Also, make sure it states who will pay for the materials and apply for permits. • Ask for copy a of their sales tax license. Or better yet, you can contact the state and ask for it — that way you know it’s current or legitimate. • Keep a final copy of the signed contract. Make sure you read it carefully before signing. This contract will usually be binding once both parties have agreed to it. Any guarantees made by the contrac- 222 West Main, Vermillion, SD • 1-800-286-7835 Yankton Area Service • 605-665-6265 Owned & Operated by Jay Nielsen & Shawn Nielsen • 605-624-8170 605–624–2561 Cell 677–8401 FREE ESTIMATES 103 Duke Street • Vermillion, SD 57069 We Are Your Home Buying Experts Jennifer Steele 624-4461 NMLS ID# 591684 Great Rates Service Second To None Diane Steckelberg 668-0800 NMLS ID# 468508 We Are Your ID 458038 2405 Broadway, Yankton (605) 668-0800 101 W. Main, Vermillion (605) 624-4461 www.cortrustmortgage.com