HomeSource warns: Scams targeting you in your own home!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) September 4, 2011 -- “There are some fabulous tradespeople in this country, and there are dodgy ones,” said HomeSource director Pia Vogel.

“Knowing what to do and having a professional service like HomeSource behind you, can make all the difference when it comes to getting the job completed with confidence.
“These scams have been around in different forms for years, we have been working to help home owners be more aware of how to avoid being caught out,” Pia said.

That’s where HomeSource, Australia’s leading home emergency and advice service provider can step in – and help home owners get their repairs and renovations done with peace of mind. Providing reliable, qualified and registered tradespeople as well as a legal and builder advice line to help home owners facing difficult or problematic situations.

“We’re here to help you make the right decisions and correct choices with the best advice available.”

“Finding the right person to do the job and helping with all the technicalities, is what HomeSource is all about.” Pia Vogel of HomeSource said.

So how do you avoid scams picking the good trades contractors from the bad?

- check credentials of anyone that you are thinking of giving work to.
- make sure that the contractor holds a valid and current license suitable for the type of work you want done.

- ask the contractor for references and check directly with home owners to make sure they are satisfied with the results.
- check if the contractor has all the necessary insurance cover to protect you and your home if something goes wrong.
- Check with the Office of Fair Trading to see if there have been any complaints about the tradesperson
- if the cost of labour and materials is more than $1,000, the law requires a written contract.
- make sure it is clear who cleans the site from the start, so when work is completed, you are not left with a big mess, or a dangerous building site. Make sure the agreement about cleaning the site is included in the contract.

“Following these basic rules and having HomeSource behind providing professional advice and tradespeople will help make sure you don’t get ripped off,” Ms Vogel said.
HomeSource is a member-based service For more information call 1300 733 420 or visit www.homesource.com.au.

HomeSource provides home owners with a single source of independent information and advice, in order to help them better manage the complexities of home ownership. Members can access a wide range of information covering important legal and building issues and can discuss their concerns with a qualified lawyer and / or builder. They only pay $145 and potentially save thousands. HomeSource also offers its members access to an exclusive database of qualified and professional trades people. Call 1300 733 420 or visit www.homesource.com.au).



For more information contact:

Pia Vogel – HomeSource Joint Managing Director
Tel: +61 2 8399 1838 Mob: 0411 876 366
media@homesource.com.au

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