Frequently Asked Questions About Home Improvement

1. Wouldn't homeowners want the broadest possible guarantee?

It depends. With a company like Home Depot, a homeowner can be pretty confident that the store is going to do whatever it takes to make the project a success. But with an independent or smaller company, you'd want to know specifically what the guarantee covers, and what you need to do if you think the project has not been completed to the contract specifications.

2. What if I don't get a written warranty with my product?

Most new products have a written warranty provided by the manufacturer. If your warranty is missing, you should contact the manufacturer for a replacement, or simply check their Web site to see if it's been published. During home improvement projects, it's easy to lose or misplace warranties shipped with each product. So keep a warranty file on each project so you'll have an easy place to retain these important documents.

3. Are service contracts ever a good thing to consider?

Maybe. If the product is expensive to repair, like electronics, it might make some sense to take out the service contract. It also might be smart if you have a very low tolerance for unexpected repair expenses. For most new household appliances however, services contracts are not the best investment. The repair incidence is low and the cost of repair not likely to break the bank. Keep in mind that some credit-card companies, like American Express, will double a manufacturer's warranty simply for using its credit card to purchase a product. This is like getting a "free" extended warranty simply for making the purchase through your credit card.

4. Do I have to send in my warranty card for every product?

And do I have to fill out all the personal information on the card? No. Warranties should be valid whether or not you return the warranty card. However, there is an important safety benefit to returning these cards. If the product is ever included in a recall, the manufacturer will know how to contact you. As for the personal information which is often requested, you are under no obligation to provide it. And you may also want to check the box that tells the manufacturer not to sell your name or include you in promotions other than product recalls.

5. Do I need a lawyer for my home improvement project contract?

Not necessarily. If the project is sizable, it makes sense to have an attorney review the contract. The basis of most disputes is a lack of communication. An attorney can make sure the contract is clear and both parties' expectations are spelled out. In any event, it is extremely important that you have a written agreement between yourself and the contractor for any size job. Spelling out the scope of the project is the best way to assure the finished project is what you expect.

6. With a contract and warranties, do I need a project guarantee?

Yes. A contractor's project guarantee that assures completion in accordance with the contract is very important. The contract spells out what will be done. The warranty assures that the products will perform as expected. But only the project guarantee will make sure this all comes together.

7. What's more common: product failures or installation failures?

The manufacturing process generally assures consistency of product. Therefore, products typically will not fail if they've been installed in accordance with manufacturer specification. Installation, however, is subject to human inconsistency on a day-by-day, moment-by-moment, basis. Making sure you work with only highly qualified and experienced professional contractors is the best way to assure products will be installed as designed, thereby minimizing any problems.

8. Change orders: Are they needed?

Yes. Keeping track of change orders is very important, especially if you want to avoid "surprise" costs at the end of the job. Make sure the change order specifies the change, reflects the original cost of the job and, most importantly, reflects any additional charges owed or credits due as a result of the change to the original contract.

9. Change orders and punch lists. If my contractor doesn't provide them, can I create my own for us to sign?

Again, yes. Written communication is very important in order to avoid potential misunderstandings and to create a written record of expectations should any disputes arise. With "punch lists" (a list of repairs typically prepared by the customer at the end of the job), it would be important that the contractor agrees in writing to address all items.

10. Are verbal contracts ever valid?

Yes, but they are very difficult to enforce. Disputes over verbal agreements often deteriorate into a "he said/she said" match where neither party can prove what was agreed to. Therefore, a written agreement, along with written change orders and punch lists, is the best way to make sure your home improvement project comes out as expected.

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	Moisture may cause peeling paint Peeling or cracking paint, on your home's exterior, may be a sign of a humidity problem or improper application. Pealing exterior paint is caused by moisture being absorbed through the back of wood siding and passing through to the exterior surface under