CAUTION: Beware of crooked builders

So you want to build your dream house. You see the newspaper pictures and can’t wait. You read of all the builders and how wonderful their houses are. You do not read about the cheats, mistakes and crooks.

Here are some things I have learned and would like to share with first-time builders. The first of every month you should have a meeting with your contractor and get receipts for all purchases. Do not wait until the house is finished because, if something is discovered wrong, you will never see the receipts. You will be told they are lost or you will be asked to pay extra charges to get them. You must make sure you are getting the quality of items specified in your contract.

Don’t think because you have a fixed contract you are safe. Idaho does not have very strict laws to protect the customer from crooks.

Now I am 80 and most of my retirement has been taken by the man I hired to build my house. There are honest and good builders and I have been helped by contractors who are upset at the way I was treated by a bad one. Good Luck and get references.

KAREN ECONOMIDES

Cocolalla