You’ve decided it's time to replace your outdoor deck and you’re ready to take it on as a DIY project, or you’ve decided to work with a licensed and bonded contractor for the heavy lifting. Before you start on such a critical project, it’s important to know that decking options have grown over the last several years, bringing new choices in composite plastic and wood products from which to construct your deck. While they often cost more than wood, composite materials offer the promise of greater durability and less maintenance. Wood is still the most common choice for deck material,1 but it doesn't last…

Many consumers who call our hotline mistakenly believe that after they purchase a product they have a “cooling-off period” during which they can cancel the contract.  THIS IS NOT TRUE.  Massachusetts law only provides for cooling-off periods in extremely limited situations. 1. Door-to-door sales: if you make a purchase of goods or services for over $25 at a place other than amerchant’s usual place of business, you have three days to cancel the contract.  This does not include purchases made completely online, by mail or phone.  It also does not apply to sales for emergency home repairs, or for real estate, insurance or…

As you plan your next home renovation project, choosing the right contractor for the job is a critical first step in your planning process. You want to make sure you vet the quality of their work in advance, spell out in writing what work you want to be performed and agree upon the scope of the project, and inquire whether the contractor is properly licensed and insured in case something goes wrong. This checklist compiles the top 10 tips to consider when selecting a contractor: 1. Get Multiple Estimates Talk to several contractors and get written estimates from at least…