Consumer corner

Allow experience to lead the way. These timeless homeowner lessons address the unique ups and downs of being a homeowner. May these articles speed you back to what really matters.

Checking the Price!

By Ken Willis

We are getting a lot of calls from homeowners regarding pricing for air conditioning, insulation and a number of other summertime home improvements. Probably the biggest concern has been air conditioning. By telling you about our experiences we hope that you will learn how to avoid problems. Here are some examples of situations we have encountered:

Canceling a contract

Homeowner Law: Rescinding A Home Improvement Contract

by Les Mark
Esq. Council to The League

Q. I recently signed a contract with a contractor to undertake a remodel of my kitchen at my home. I first learned of this contractor by way of an advertisement he sent to my home. Within two days of signing the contract, I had second thoughts about this particular contractor and I decided to get some other bids. I telephoned the contractor and told him that I would like to rescind the contract. He told me that I could not do so. In his words, we have a binding agreement. On that day, I faxed him a letter to advice him that I disagreed with his position and that I had no intention of honoring the agreement. Can the contractor successfully sue me for breach of contract?

California Homeowner Magazine

A special benefit of membership is California Homeowner Magazine. Each year you'll receive six editions of this useful magazine with lots of "evergreen" you'll never want to throw away. It will be mailed directly to your house. Why, many of the articles are as good next year as they are today. Articles on roof repair, contractor hiring, painting, energy conservation and more. In fact, we often receive phone calls from members asking for a back issue they misplaced!

JOIN The League!

Every day The League of California Homeowners (LCH) is helping real people with real problems just like you. Founded in January 1992, LCH is a nonprofit consumer group consisting of homeowners like you. We have helped homeowners by searching for answers to problems related to contractor disputes, problems with a lender, a real estate broker and more. We specialize in helping senior citizens, new homebuyers, victims of accidents and fires you name it. If you believe that you are being taken advantage of for any reason, call us. As long as your problem deals with housing, we are here to help you.

Real live people provide all of this consumer assistance. Because of that, we need your help. By becoming a subscriber of LCH, you can help us make this happen.

Help & advice

Homeowner Rights:

Doing some home remodeling? The League of California Homeowners (LCH) will provide you with guidance on how to prepare a contract; establish a payment schedule; avoid a mechanics lien and what to do if your contractor is not performing.

Home Inspectors:

Home inspection is an unlicensed activity in California. However, there are some professional standards for home inspectors and LCH can make sure that you find a reputable home inspector. The League recommends members of the California Real Estate Inspectors Association (CREIA) for your best bet on hiring a good home inspector. Also, consider home inspection not just at a time of sale, but for "tune-ups" to make sure you know as much about your home as possible.

Finance your project

The Home Energy Upgrade Finance ("HEUF") Program's Tenth Anniversary!

The HEUF program achieves its tenth anniversary this month. The HEUF program is sponsored by SEMPRA's utilities: The Southern California Gas Company and San Diego Gas & Electric offering competitive financing, available only through contractors screened by the League.

Green solutions

Information

LCH has a special booklet entitled "Energy 101." This interesting piece explains everything you can do to your home in order to save energy. It does not present "exotic" remedies that are hard for the typical suburban homeowner to locate, but deals with practical solutions you can manage. For example, you can compare different forms of insulation, types of application, dual pane windows, solar applications and more. The point is to give you information you can use. You must become a member in order to receive this booklet.

10 tips to keep your remodeling project on the right track

Rest easy when you follow the sound advice detailed in this concise guide to contracting hiring and keeping your remodeling project on the right track!

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