Safely Plan and Execute Your Home Improvement Project
Are you planning a home improvement or home service project? Interest in these projects spikes in the spring and ranges from landscaping to renovations to major appliance replacements.
What do you need to know to safely plan, budget and execute your next major project? The Howard County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) provides these tips:
• Nearly every home improvement or home repair requires some form of state or county license. Most of the licenses are issued by the Department of Labor and are searchable at labor.maryland.gov/license. Other agencies have licensing authority for tasks such as pest control or tree removal.
• Most home renovations or major repairs require a permit. If you are told your job doesn’t require a permit, contact the Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits at 410-313-2455 to verify. No permit means no safety inspection.
• Anyone knocking on your door to sell you a project must have at least the county’s door-to-door sales ID issued by OCP. The state has additional licensing requirements for home improvement sales.
In the Village of River Hill, the Architectural Committee is responsible for reviewing and granting final approval for all exterior alterations to existing properties and in-home businesses. Property owners should review River Hill’s Architectural Guidelines before making any exterior changes to their homes or starting an in-home business to assess whether association approval is required. To learn more about covenants, guidelines, and the application process, visit www.villageofriverhill.org/covenants.
Before signing a contract, take a few important steps to protect yourself:
• Obtain three estimates to compare pricing and services.
• Research the company thoroughly, including reading recent reviews to ensure their credibility and reputation.
• Secure a detailed contract that clearly outlines all terms and avoids front-loaded payments.
Beware of these common red flags:
• No credible contractor has “extra” supplies.
• No home repair is “free” through your insurance policy.
• The contract is missing the business name, logo, contact information, or details required by law.
• A deposit greater than one-third of the project price is requested.
• Payment is demanded by wire transfer, payment app, check, or cash—or demanded faster than the contract payment plan allows.
Not sure what credentials or permits are needed? Not sure if the contract you’re offered includes all required information? Contact the OCP at consumer@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-6420.
