When Shopping Online (NAPSA)—The Internet has revolutionized the way consumers worldwide shop for everything from books to shoes. Even big- ticket items such as cars, boats and houses can be found online these days. In terms of conve- nience and cost-savings, online shopping is often a good thing. Sometimes, however, as in the case of home-repair services, the risks may outweighthe benefits. “Having work done around the house is one of the few occasions when weinvite relative strangers to spend extended periods of time in our homes,” says Keith Hahn of Handyman Connection, a national network of home repair and remodeling contractors. “Therefore, it is very important to make sure you're comfortable with whom you're hiring to do the work.” While online home-improvement service portals can sometimes appear local at first glance, many such companies actually operate exclusively from a central headquarters and broker jobs to local contractors. In most cases, says Hahn, those online companies have little or no personal knowledge of the contractor dispatched to perform the work and almost nodirect connection to the communities they serve. There are also some concerns about whois responsible if something goes wrong. “Tve seen very little accountability on the parts of most of these online home-repair brokers,” Hahnsays. “Most such companies Internet shopping may not be best bet for homerepairs. So buyer beware. When there’s work to be done around the home, Hahn recommends hiring only local contractors or national contracting companies with local offices. Choose firms run by people who live and work in your area. Find out how long the com- pany has been doing business in your community and ask for local references. Ask home-repair firms how they screen their craftsmen and how they warranty the work those craftsmen perform. If you don’t feel completely comfortable with the answers, says Hahn, move on. “It’s fine to use the Internet to locate a contracting firm or a craftsman, but then take the next step—look them up in your local phone book and give them call,” Hahn advises. “A few minutes on the phone with a prospective home-improvementfirm will tell you everything you need to know.” Keith Hahnis the chief operat- ing officer of Handyman Connec- make money byselling leads to tion, a nationwide network of have very little obligation to the contractors. For more information, local contractors, so they really homeownerafter that transaction takes place.” home-improvement and repair call 1-800-88-HANDY or visit www.handymanconnection.com.
