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SUPPLEMENT TO McHENRY PLAINDEALER-PAGE Weigh choice of contractor Homeowners are strong­ ly advised to follow some simple precautions when selecting contractors for their home improvement projects. The National Home Improvement Coun­ cil, which has a network of chapters throughout the country, recommends homeowners select con­ tractors in their areas who advertise their affiliation with the Council. Members of the Council are con­ tractors who subscribe to the Council's Code of Ethics and advertising guidelines and in many cases belong to the local Better Business Bureau. In many sections of the country NHIC contractor members also support the binding arbitration pro­ gram of the Better Busi­ ness Bureau, a definite protection for the home­ owner in his dealings with a contractor. While most contractors are ethical, qualified busi­ nessmen, there are always exceptions, just as in every business. These exceptions are likely to be among the itinerant contractors who call at the door and try to sell an improvement job on the spot, or a high- pressure, telephone sales­ man. It's good practice to check out all solicitors with the Better Business Bureau. A banker, savings and loan association, lum­ ber dealer and local real estate brokers are also good sources of informa­ tion on reliable contrac­ tors. Another good practice, after you have contacted or been referred to a num­ ber of good contractors, is to ask for at least three bids. It's important that each contractor be given identical specifications. When you sign, keep in mind that you have, under law, three days to change your mind (even after you sign). Be sure the contract has the following provi­ sions: • It states that the con­ tractor will provide both labor and materials. • The contractor agrees to maintain required in­ surance coverage, includ­ ing workman's compensa­ tion. • Starting and comple­ tion dates are stated. • Plans and specifica­ tions are made a part of the contract, and substi­ tutions cannot be made except by mutual agree­ ment. • Complete cleanup and removal of all waste ma­ terial is specified. - • Work is guaranteed for a standard period, us­ ually one year. • Payment is scheduled upon satisfactory comple­ tion of the work or in in- 15-FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1975 stallments that match the progress of the work, with an amount, usually 10 per cent, withheld pending fi­ nal approval of the job by the owner. • The contractor agrees to secure all necessary per­ mits. • Your consent ,is re­ quired for any advertising or promotion m your job by the contractor. Kind, sincere words will take the average man or woman a long way along the journey of life. SECURITY SYSTEMS 'NECESSARY EVILS' Homeowners, even in * areas formerly regarded as "safe," are installing security systems by the numbers. With the rise of crime and the increased burdens placed upon law enforcement officers, many homeowners have invested in sophisticated crime and fire deterrent systems, tied in with a local central sta­ tion. When the system de­ tects an intrusion or the beginnings of a fire, it immediately relays a sig­ nal to the station. Peter Pilgard & Sons Water System Specialists Since 1934 •Well Drilling 'Pumps 'Sales & Sendee OnmOJMBKMT 31,9 South R,e- 3' CRYSTAL LAKE, ILL. PH. 459-8149 or 338-3693 &&}f/otne •Sea Walls ®Wrough Iron •Boat Props Repairing •Trailer Hitches •Portable Welding All Types of Welding and Repairs FREE ESTIMATES PHONE 385-4929 or 385-5920 McHENRY WELDING SERVICE Rt. 120 Across from Dogs & Suds RUCK'S HARDWARE 3902 W. MAIN ST., McHENRY •LAWN MOWERS •FERTILIZERS •LAWN SEED SEE US! 385-0334 ALL TYPES OF GLASS • STORM WINDOWS & DOORS • THERMOPANE • MIRRORS & TABLE TOPS CHUCKS GLASS & MIRROR 4304 W. SOUTH ST. McHENRY - PHONE FOR FREE ESTIMATE 385-3560 C. KaspersUi CUSTOM BUILT FIREPLACES RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • REMODELING Fireplaces and Stone Work Bar-B-Q Fully Bonded and Insured Free Estimates 385-2243 _ 4202 N. Riverview Drive McHenryT EUGENE HONNING PAINTING & DECORATING ESTABLISHED 25 YEARS WE CAN HANG ALL TYPES OF WALL COVERING. KNOWLEDGEABLE IN ALL METHODS AND MATERIALS OF HOME DECORATING. FREE ESTIMATES CALL 385-4042 401 N. Mineral Spring, McHenry, 111. A Complete Line of Glidden Paints SPRED SATIN BRUSHES WALLPAPER PAINTERS SUPPLIES ENAMELS STAINS Artists Material's & Picture Frames. -- Also Complete Marine Paints -- 385-0454 FOX RIVER VALLEY BOAT CO. 1310 N. RIVERSIDE -- McHENRY