Illinois Consumer Rights for home repair purchases
Home Repair: KNOW YOUR CONSUMER RIGHTS
As you plan for your home repair/improvement project, it is important
to ask the right questions in order to protect your investment. This notice
has been drafted with for your knowledge and protection. The tips in this
fact sheet should allow you to protect yourself and minimize the possibility
that a misunderstanding may occur.
Things to look out for:
1. Avoid door-to-door salespersons with no local connections who offer
to do home repair work for substantially less than normal market value.
2. Avoid solicitations for repair work from a company that lists only
a telephone number or a post office box number to contact.
3. Be especially cautious in doing business with out of state companies.
Look for out of state license plates.
4. Avoid doing business with contractors who fail to provide customer
references or proof of insurance.
5. Avoid contractors who demand cash payment or who offer to drive you
to the bank to withdraw funds.
Contract requirements:
1. All estimates should be provided in writing and include a description
of the work to be performed, total cost of the work to be performed, and
a schedule and method of payment.
2. Do not be induced into signing a contract due to high-pressure sales
tactics.
3. Never sign a contract with blank spaces or one you don't fully understand.
4. You have (3) three business days from the time you sign the contract
to cancel the contract, if the sale is made at your home. The contractor
cannot deprive you of this right.
5. Include contractor's full name, address and phone number. If the contractor
does business under a name other than the contractor's real name, the
business must either be incorporated or registered as an assumed business
name.
6. Determine who is to obtain the permit, either the contractor or the
homeowner.
7. Determine the length of guarantee, if any.
Homeowners should obtain a copy of the signed contract and keep it in
a safe place for reference as needed. The homeowner must pay the contractor
for work completed. If the contractor fails to commence the work within
the set schedule, the homeowner may cancel the contract.
If you think you have been defrauded by a contractor or have questions,
please bring it to the attention of your State’s Attorney or the
Illinois Attorney General’s office at (800) 386- 5438.
This pamphlet is provided to you by Reliable American, Inc. in compliance
with Public Act 91-0230. This law states that contractors must
provide their customers with this pamphlet if the contract is
over $1,000 and written acknowledgement must be obtained.
Discuss
it on MySpace
Contact the IL Attorney General
|
