As the beautiful spring season draws near, many town residents will be seeking to renovate, expand, or just add the finishing touch that will make their house much more of a home. Unless a person is unusually handy, any such construction normally requires the services of a contractor. In Hempstead Town, there are many reputable, licensed contractors ready to do the job.

Anytime you make a purchase or hire a person to do work for you, getting what you pay for is always a primary consideration. You should always hire a licensed and insured contractor. Always have a signed contract for the work you are having done specifying a set price, and always ask for references before you hire.

Although the vast majority of contractors are completely reputable, the homeowner must guard against being taken in by unscrupulous individuals. Some may start a job, collect an initial payment, and never return. There are others who will take a large cash deposit from you, and you may never see them again. You, the buyer, should always beware.

A reputable contractor may ask for a deposit to begin the job, and that is perfectly acceptable. He will always provide you with a receipt, along with your contract showing that a deposit has been paid. In addition, licensed contractors are aware of town rules and regulations regarding construction work, and will often assist you in securing permits from the town's Department of Buildings.

As a general rule, contractors who solicit work door to door should be avoided. They will often inform the homeowner that they have materials left over from a prior job, and they will build a new room for you for a "small sum." This often turns into a large amount of cash for work you never authorized. Others may solicit work by phone, offering unbelievable low prices. Remember, if a price quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. The Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs is often able to assist consumers in finding out if any complaints have been registered about a particular company or firm. If you have any questions, please call them at 571-2600.

After the work has been completed, a licensed inspector should be retained to check for defective materials and/or workmanship. A reputable contractor will not object to this procedure. In fact, a professional inspection is required in many residential areas.

On behalf of all the members of the Hempstead Town Board, I urge you to heed these simple suggestions. Use only licensed contractors who are easily reached by telephone. Get a fair price, and make sure all work is done to your satisfaction. Most of all, enjoy the new addition to your home.