Consumer Services Division

CONTACT INFORMATION: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
703-222-8435 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 433
Fairfax, VA 22035

eNewsletter Summer 2017

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Summer 2017

In this Issue:

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

  • As the weather gets warmer consumers all over the county look to hire a contractor for projects that were put off all winter. Here are some tips and tricks to help become an informed consumer and protect yourself from falling victim to a scam.
  • As the homeowner, you are able to obtain a permit for work in your own name, but it is always advised that your contractor be listed on the permit application. This specifies that they are responsible for the work, and it gives permit staff an opportunity to verify that your contractor is properly licensed by the state and has a valid Business Professional Occupational License.  In addition, if there is an issue, it is less difficult to take enforcement action against the contractor if the permit is issued in the contractor's name.
  • As stated, permit staff will take initiative in ensuring your contractor is properly licensed by the state, and has a valid Business Professional Occupational License; however, you too can verify if a contractor is license. Simply go to DPOR License or call 804-367-8500, TTY 711. You can also contact the permit application center at 703-222-0801, TTY 711.
  • Not sure of your project requires a permit? Contact the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services’ Permit Branch at 703-324-1555, TTY 711.
  • Read reviews! Visit Fairfax County Consumer Affairs’ consumer complaints database and search for the contractor in question. The complaint summaries date back three years and are detailed descriptions of the issue and how the complaint was resolved. 
  • Signs of contractor scams come in many forms. If a contractor is reluctant to obtain a permit for a job, it may mean they are unlicensed. The contractor may try to convince the homeowner to obtain the permit via an Affidavit of Permit Authorization to avoid being discovered as unlicensed.
  • Always be aware of door-to-door contractor solicitors. Know your right to cancel a contract signed in your home within three days.
  • Be suspicious of contractors that offer deals because they have materials left over from a previous job.
  • Ask friends and neighbors for referrals. A paid advertisement is not necessarily a good indication of the quality of a contractor’s work.
  • The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation recommends a homeowner obtain written estimates from at least three different contractors; however, don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder. Ask for break downs on price variations. Be wary of deals that look too good to be true.
  • Contractors that only accept cash are a major red flag.
  • Once you chose a contractor, insist on a detailed contract including an agreed upon start date and project completion date. Keep in mind licensed contractors are required by law to provide a written contract for residential work, signed by both parties.
  • Limit your down payment/deposit. DPOR states a reputable contractor should be able to front the costs of most supplies without a large sum of money from the homeowner. A good rule of thumb is an initial deposit of no more than 10% down, or $1,000.00, whichever is less. If the job requires custom-made items or special orders, you can adjust the down payment to no more than 30% of the total value of the contract.
  • Negotiate the contract! Discuss with your contractor the possibility of making payments throughout the project, contingent upon completion of certain tasks. If your contractor is falling behind on the project, the payments will also be delayed. In general, do not pay 100% of the bill until 100% of the work is done AND inspected.
  • Get everything in writing! This includes warranties, guarantees, and promises. Make sure to review all documents before you sign them, warranties included. Look for blank spaces that can be fraudulently filled in after you sign.
  • For construction, maintenance, or repair activity that does not require permits, you may file a complaint with Fairfax County Consumer Affairs at 703-324-5900, TTY 711. If money was taken, but no work was performed, you may contact the Fairfax County Police Department Financial Crimes Section at 703-246-7800, TTY 711. If the contractor is licensed, call the Virginia Board of Contractors of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation at 804-367-8500, TTY 711. As a last resort, you can always obtain private legal counsel to pursue the appropriate civil action.

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Be Aware of the “Grandkid Scam”

Here’s how it works:

You get a call, “Grandma, I need money for bail,” or money for a medical bill or some other kind of trouble. The caller says it’s urgent – and tells you to keep it a secret.

But is the caller who you think it is? Scammers are good at pretending to be someone they’re not. They can be convincing: sometimes using information from social networking sites, or hacking into your loved one’s email account, to make it seem more real. And they’ll pressure you to send money before you have time to think.

Here’s what you can do:

  1. Stop. Check it out. Look up your grandkid’s phone number yourself, or call another family member.
  2. Pass this information to a friend. You may not have gotten one of these calls, but chances are you know someone who will get one – if they haven’t already.
  3. Pass this information to the Federal Trade Commission. You can report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-382-4357, or online at ftc.gov/complaint. Your complaint can help protect other people. By filing a complaint, you can help the FTC’s investigators identify the imposters and stop them before they can get someone’s hard earned money. It really makes a difference.

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Your Community, You’re Connected – 2017 Virginia Common Interest Community Legislative Review

Your Community, You’re Connected - 2017 Virginia Common Interest Community Legislative Review airs live on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. on Fairfax County Government Channel 16.  Michelle L. Thompson of the Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Branch; Lucia Anna (Pia) Trigiani, Attorney and Principal of the law firm of MercerTrigiani; and Paul Orlando, Vice President of SFMC, Inc. respond to live calls and emails during the hour. Replay dates are Mondays at 8:00 p.m. and Tuesdays at 8:00 a.m.

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Archived Your Community, You’re Connected Programs Available

Archived YCYC programs and information on the next live show can be viewed here.

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Virginia Common Interest Community Ombudsman Determinations

The Virginia Common Interest Community Ombudsman maintains a list of determinations made in response to complaints received in its office. The 2016-2017 Determinations are now available for public view. A review of the determinations is an informative educational opportunity to increase awareness of the responsibility of the board to comply with state statutes that govern common interest communities.

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Virginia Property Owners’ Association Disclosure Packet Notice – Revised

The Virginia Common Interest Community Board made recent edits to the Virginia Property Owners’ Association Disclosure Packet Notice.  The Notice is to accompany the association disclosure packet required by § 55-509.5 of the Code of Virginia. Be sure to bookmark the link to ensure access to the most recent form.

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Looking for Homeowner and Condominium Resources?

Visit the Homeowners’ and Condominium Association webpage for links to valuable resources such as education, publications and laws related to living and managing a common interest community.  Feel free to contact the Homeowners’ and Condominium Association Liaison at 703-222-8435 with your questions or concerns.

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