Q: My home is in need of some repairs, but I have heard some horrible stories about contractors taking advantage of seniors and hesitate to hire someone. How can I avoid becoming a victim? A: We’ve all heard some stories, but in most day-to-day dealings the majority of contractors do an honest job. There are, however, rip-off deals or impossible-to-refuse offers that make you forget the warning “buyer beware.” Home improvement projects and repairs are expensive and thought and time should go into the selection of a contractor. Interview several contractors, ask for and check references and if possible inspect a previous job. You should always pick the contractor. The contractor should not seek you out. A contractor who goes door to door telling you he is working the neighborhood should be a red flag alert. Make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured. Contact the Contractors’ Licensing Board to see if any complaints have been filed. More than one recent complaint should put you on notice of possible trouble. Get several estimates. A legitimate contractor will provide a free job estimate that is easy to understand and specific about materials to be used and labor to be performed. If he or she won’t do that then it is likely this is not the contractor you want to work with. Request a written contract. It should include the services to be performed, costs, guarantees, warranties and start and completion dates. Ask to see copies of professional licenses, insurance documents and some form of personal identification. Make sure the contractor pulls the proper permits and secures a performance bond before starting a project. Never pay up front. Provide a down payment and pay the balance in installments as the work progresses. Final payment should not be made until the job is completed to your satisfaction or, if an inspection is required, after the inspector has completed his review. Always request a release of lien from the contractor when the project is completed. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. An honest contractor will be willing to provide information. If the contractor you select won’t provide answers look for another contractor who will. HAPPENINGS Sept. 27: “Secret Word” game night. 6:30 p.m. at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. For information call 381-2744. Oct. 2: Mandatory orientation for “A Matter of Balance Class.” 1-2 p.m. at the Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi in Simi Valley. For information call 583-6363. Oct. 4.: Seminar “Will You Pass Your Next Driving Test?” 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. For information and reservations call 381-2744. Oct. 5: Healthy Aging Workshop. 9:30 a.m. to noon at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 588 Camino Manzanas (corner of Lynn Road) in Thousand Oaks. For information call 498-4502. MEDICARE SEMINARS Medicare and Part D Plans in 2014 and Covered CA. Sept. 27. 11 a.m. at South Oxnard Senior Center, 200 E. Bard Road in Oxnard. For information call 477-7310. Sept. 27. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. For information call 381-2744. Oct. 2. 9:30-11 a.m. at Wilson Senior Center, 350 North C St., Oxnard. For information call 385-8028. Oct. 3. 10 a.m. to noon at Offices of Area Agency on Aging, 646 County Square Drive in Ventura. Call 477-7310 for information. Oct. 3. 1-3 p.m. at Camarillo Health Care District, 3639 E. Las Posas Road, Suite 117 in Camarillo. For information call 388-1952. CAREGIVER UNIVERSITY 4-6:30 p.m. at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks. For information or to make reservations call 497-0189. Oct. 10: “The Ten Signs Your Aging Loved One Needs Help.” Oct. 17: “How to have ‘THE TALK’ with Aging Parents. BRAIN FITNESS CLASSES 3:30 p.m. For information contact Tee at 905-9918 or tee@seniorconcerns.org Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley; free introductory class Oct. 2; six-week class Oct. 9 through Nov. 13. Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road, Thousand Oaks; free introductory class Oct. 3; six-week class Oct. 10 through Nov. 14. Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are located at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 or call 495-6250 or email betty@seniorconcerns.org (please include your telephone number. You are invited to submit questions on senior issues. More …
