Improving your home is a key part of home ownership. Here are some tips of how to prevent some of the common scams and contractual pitfalls related to home improvement and what to do if they happen.

I am not satisfied with the work done by a home improvement contractor. What are my rights?

Contact the Contractor - You should always start by reporting the problem to the contractor, clearly, in writing. Give him a reasonable opportunity to correct the problem.

Complain - If the contractor does not correct the problem, you should contact the Maryland Home Improvement Commission [410-230-6309]. Home Improvement contractors must be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.  The Home Improvement Commission will investigate complaints and may be able to force a contractor to complete the job properly.  You can check whether a contractor is licensed and whether complaints have been filed against the contractor by calling the Home improvement Commission. You also can file a complaint about unfinished work or work that was not done properly.

Finish the work and sue - You also could have someone else finish the work and sue the first contractor for the cost of completing the work.

• You should first write a detailed letter to the contractor about the problem and give the original contractor a reasonable change to correct the work.
• You should then get one or more detailed written estimates from someone else of the cost of completing the work in the original contract.
• You may be able to sue the home improvement contractor without a lawyer in the Small Claims Court, located at the District Court of Maryland.  Your letter to the contractor, any reply he makes, and the estimates for completing the work are your evidence of the damages caused by his not completing the work properly. Very detailed Step by step instruction about filing a small claims case in the Maryland District Court are online at the court's web site. 

Law suit reimbursement for home owner repair expenses for stucco and plastic piping