Hiring a Contractor for Home Repairs

• Don’t hire contractors who go door-to-door, who call, or who post notices on bulletin boards or online before checking them out thoroughly.

• Roof Clearing is a unique situation. Read more here.

• Verify the registration, insurance, and if appropriate, the professional license of any worker before agreeing to let them work on your property.  Find out how to verify a contractor's license at this link: http://www.ct.gov/dcp/cwp/view.asp?a=4308&q=507962

• All home improvement contractors -- including persons who install and repair gutters, roofs, fences, siding, insulation, windows, masonry and underground fuel storage tanks -- must be registered with the Department of Consumer Protection.

• Also, plumbers, electricians, heating and ventilation workers, sheet metal workers, electricians and many other professionals require a separate, current Connecticut professional license in order to practice their craft. You may call the Department of Consumer Protection to learn what licenses are needed, or go to this web page.

• Contracts are required for most jobs over $200. No matter how urgent the situation, consumers are advised to get a detailed contract. Check all the terms and conditions, materials, start date, end date and costs, and if necessary, insist that any changes be written in. Both the consumer and contractor must sign and date the contract, and the consumer should get a completed copy for safekeeping.

• Don't be rushed into a contract! Take your time; this is a legal, binding document.

• However, you have three days to cancel the home improvement contract after you sign it. The 3-day cancellation notice should be part of your written contract. 

• Contractors must print their Connecticut license number on their contracts, business cards, on their vehicles, and in all advertising.

• Contractors should carry their own liability insurance and must be able to produce an insurance certificate as proof.  The certificate should carry the name of the insurance company and the homeowner is urged to call the insurance agency on the certificate to confirm that coverage.  To verify if an insurance agent or agency is licensed in Connecticut, please contact the Connecticut Insurance Department.

• Anyone with home improvement questions or concerns about a contract or contractor is encouraged to contact the Department of Consumer Protection at dcp.frauds @ct.gov or call us at 1-800-842-2649.