Attorney General Bill Pryor didn't put a price tag on it, but he had no problem identifying the number 1 consumer complaint his office receives.   It's fraudulent home repairs.

Hiring someone to do home repairs or remodeling is truly an area in which the buyer must beware.

Pryor and the Remodelers Council of the Home Builders Association of Alabama had a news conference a few days ago to talk about the problem.

Bob McKay of Birmingham, Chairman of the Remodelers Council, pinpointed one of the reasons why fraud is a problem. "Many people do more research when they buy a new car than when they hire a remodeler to remodel their home," he said.

Pryor and McKay said that anyone who does home remodeling costing $10,000 or more must be licensed by the State Homebuilding License Board.  The contractor should show proof of having a license.  The homeowner can check whether a builder has a license by calling the board at 1-800-304-0853.

Homeowners should also ask for proof of worker compensation insurance and should check references.  That's a good idea for jobs of any size.

Homeowners can reach the attorney general's consumer hotline at 1-800-392-5658 or the Homebuilders Association at 1-800-745-4222.

From THE MONTGOMERY ADVERTISER - May 19, 2000