The sunny spring days seem to be finally arriving with some regularity. The sun and spring rains help the flowers and also accentuates the peeling paint, missing shingles, leaks in the roof and cellar and other fix-up needs. If you are a careful consumer, you can find the right contractor to fix these things and enjoy the results for years to come.

Since 1992, Massachusetts consumers have had the protection of the Home Improvement Contractors' Law, MGL Chapter 142A. Now, if consumers experience the failure of a home improvement contractor to fulfill the contract, complete the work, or does shoddy work, there is legal recourse readily available. This law provides an arbitration system for these repair/remodeling disputes and also guarantee fund to reimburse the consumer if the contractor fails to pay if the consumer wins his or her dispute.

Consumers must only hire registered contractors, though, and have a written contract in order to seek the protections of the law. Thus, it is imperative that the consumer not only ask the right questions of potential home improvement contractors, but also verifies the registration status with the State Division of Standards (727-8598).

A very practical, readable pamphlet has just been produced by the Executive Office of Consumer Affairs to guide consumers considering home improvement work on their homes. The Cambridge Consumers' Council works closely with these relevant state agencies to get this important information to Cambridge consumers and also to assist them with any disputes they are facing.

Call the Consumers' Council at 349-6150 and a copy of this important pamphlet will be mailed to you. It will guide you in the process of planning the work, finding the right contractor, reviewing the contract and working through any problem that may still arise after all the proper steps have been followed!

But remember, SPRING means flowers, sunny days, hope, and optimism, so get your pamphlet and call the contractor.

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