(Source: The Daily Star)
By The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y.
Sep. 29--Sen. James L. Seward, R-Milford, has announced an upcoming public-service program through the New York State Consumer Protection Board aimed at assisting homeowners with their improvement projects.
In a media release, Seward said the CPB will host a free Home Improvement Ask the Expert Call-In Day on Wednesday to answer questions concerning home repair or improvement projects. Consumers who call between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. will be able to speak to professionals from the CPB, the New York State Builders Association, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the Division of Housing and Community Renewal and the Preservation League of New York State.
"The free call-in day will provide timely information for homeowners looking to make energy-efficient improvements before the weather turns cold," Seward said in the release. "Information on how to select a contractor and avoid any potential scams will also be available."
Homeowners will be able to inquire about topics such as kitchen and bath remodeling, home-building, energy efficiency, home-improvement funding for low-income consumers, heating, plumbing and more.
According to a news release from the CPB, callers will also be reminded to watch out for door-to-door offers of roofing or other repairs; uncertified or untrustworthy chimney sweeps; deeply discounted driveway sealers; questionable flood-mitigation offers; and other known scams often perpetrated during the fall.
The toll-free number is (888) 351-4648. Further information on home improvement can be obtained through the CPB's website at www.nysconsumer.gov.
-----
To see more of The Daily Star, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.thedailystar.com.
Copyright (c) 2009, The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
A service of YellowBrix, Inc.
