Historical April 1989 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Dear Constituents: This letter is to inform you of the unscrupulous tactics deployed by some contractors working in the area of home improvement and rehabbing. I would just like to bring to your attention, that like in all other walks of life, there are good as well as bad apples in every bunch. Several of the homeowners residing in the 59th Legislative district have encountered an unsavory contractor, and some have lost their homes as a result.
The usual scheme that one of these contractors will follow is to first win the homeowner’s confidence by doing well on a minor job. Afterwards, the contractor will entice the homeowner to enter into a contract for major repairs to the home.
Once the homeowner is in debt over his or her head, the contractor will then offer the homeowner a payment plan or long-term financing to pay off the debt incurred.
The end result of this long-term financing will result in the homeowner paying double, triple, or even quadruple the amount of the original loan.
Please read any contract you enter into very carefully and understand what you are signing.
If you have any doubts about a particular contractor, contact the Better Business Bureau and inquire as to whether there have been any complaints lodged against the contractor. Also, ask to see a copy of the contractor’s license for specialties such as electrical work or plumbing.
If you wish to report an unscrupulous practice by a contractor, notify the State Attorney General’s Office, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, or the Better Business Bureau.
If you would like a referral on a reputable contractor, contact Mokan/Construction Contract Assistance Center, and ask for several firms with a good track record. I urge you to proceed cautiously when entering into an agreement with individuals or firms for the purpose of remodeling or rehabbing your home. Sincerely, William L. Clay, Jr. 59th District Representative
Original photograph caption
State Representative William L. Clay, Jr. The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April 1989, page 5. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April 1989.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1989_04.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 5.
