Here are some home improvement tips from The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP).
Are you thinking of a home improvement or home service project? Interest in home improvement projects increases starting in March 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? Here are some tips from the Office of Consumer Protection (OCP).
Make Sure You Have the Proper Permits and Licenses
Nearly every home improvement or repair requires some form of State or County license. The Department of Labor can search for most licenses but other agencies also have licensing authority for pest control, tree removal, etc.
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 & Permits at 410-313-2455 and verify. No permit means no safety inspection.
Don’t Trust Door-to-Door Sales
Anyone knocking on your door to sell you a project must at least have the County’s door-to-door sales ID issued by OCP. The State has additional licensing requirements for home improvement sales. Before you sign anything:
- Get three estimates.
- Do your research on the company and read recent reviews.
- Get a detailed contract that doesn’t front load payments.
Beware of these common red flags:
- No good 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. They ask for a deposit greater than 1/3 of the project price.
- Payment is demanded by wire, payment app, check or cash, or demanded faster than the contract payment plan.
Follow All Columbia Town Center Covenants
Covenants are legal documents that are part of your deed of ownership and transfer to future owners. These documents assure minimum standards for land use, architectural design, and property maintenance. The covenants also allow for the operation of the Town Center Community Association, Town Center Architectural Committee, and the Architectural Review Process. If you’re doing exterior home renovations, it’s guaranteed that they will need approval; this usually requires filling out forms.
Before starting your project, complete and submit the Town Center Community Association application. To ensure your application is reviewed as quickly as possible, please observe the following guidelines:
- Provide as much detail as possible about your project.
- Get signatures from 2 affected neighbors.
- Submit a site plan showing the location/configuration of the project.
- Submit a scale drawing of the project.
- Include color samples
- Include drawings or photos of the materials you are using.
- Sign and date the application; supply contact information, including email address.
- Attend the meeting at which your application will be reviewed to answer any questions the Architectural Committee may have.
THRIVE AT COLUMBIA TOWN CENTER
Town Center is one of the ten villages of Columbia, Maryland. Our Village offices are located in Historic Oakland, one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Howard County. In the heart of Columbia, Town Center’s residents enjoy living in an urban community in a suburban setting with close proximity to all Columbia amenities, attractions, and cultural activities. Visit us to learn more about our community at 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, MD 21044. Call us at 410-730-4744 or visit our website https://www.columbiatowncenter.org/