APRIL 8, 2008 - Spring means the return of the robin to Michigan , but it also means many residents' thoughts turn to building or sprucing up their own nests. The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth reminds consumers of important tips that will help them avoid common - and often costly - mistakes while building or renovating a home.

Verify Your Builder/Contractor License

"Rule #1 for consumers is to check with us first to make sure the people working on your home are properly licensed by the state. All it takes is a few minutes of your time to look up a license online or give us a call, and in the long run, it can help prevent your dream home from becoming a nightmare," said DLEG Director Keith W. Cooley.   

Builders: DLEG's online license search is available at http://www.michigan.gov/licenselookupor by calling the DLEG's Bureau of Commercial Services Licensing Division at 1 (866) 630-6608

Contractors: Electricians, plumbers and mechanical contractors are licensed by DLEG's Bureau of Construction Codes . To verify their license information, visit www.michigan.gov/bcclicenseor call (517) 241-9313.

Don't Pay in Advance

Consumers should never give a contractor a large sum of money prior to work being done.  

"Never pay in full prior to completion of job to your satisfaction," Cooley said. "Home owners are inviting trouble if they pay the full contract price amount at the start of a job or prior to completion."

Don't Forget Your Building Permit!

Planning on doing some home improvement projects? Before tearing down walls or running electrical wire, check with your local or state building department to learn if your project requires a building permit. A building permit provides the legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications.

A building permit is usually required for:

- New buildings

- Additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, etc.)

- Residential work (decks, garages, fences, fireplaces, pools, water heaters, etc.)

- Renovations (garage conversions, basement furnishings, kitchen expansions, re-roofing, etc.)

- Electrical systems

- Plumbing systems

- HVAC (heating, ventilating and air-conditioning) systems

A building permit ensures that the proposed construction meets minimum safety standards and allows code officials to protect the public by reducing potential hazards of unsafe construction. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections, so the value of the property could be reduced and problems may arise when the property is sold.

Routine Maintenance Protects Your Investment

Even if home renovations aren't in your immediate future, homeowners should take some basic steps to make the most out of your investment.

"One of the most important things for homeowners to remember is that you should perform certain routine maintenance to keep your house or apartment functioning properly," Cooley said.   "These tasks tend to be relatively simple but are easily overlooked - for example, changing the filter on your heating and air conditioning systems will help it run more effectively in removing dirt and dust from the air."

  -Time for Spring Cleaning - Cleanliness is a factor that will make your home last longer and work better. Dust and dirt, if allowed to accumulate, can harm the finishes on blinds, cabinets, countertops, floors, sinks, tubs, toilets, walls, tiles and other items. If dirt does accumulate, make sure to clean it with a substance that does not scratch or damage the finish.

-On the outside of your home, make sure that gutters and downspouts do not get clogged with leaves or other objects. The exterior of your house is built to withstand exposure to the elements, but a periodic cleaning will improve the appearance and, in many instances, prolong the life of siding and other exterior products.

For more information, visit the Bureau of Commercial Services website at www.michigan.gov/bcsor Bureau of Construction Codes at www.michigan.gov/bcc. To determine if a state license is needed, you may also check out www.michigan.gov/statelicensesearch.

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