For Release: May 31, 2005
Contact: Evelyn Adams
Public Information Specialist
Prince George's County Department of Environmental Resources
(301) 883-5958

Nail Down The Facts Before You Start Your Home Improvement Project

LARGO, MD – As the first signs of Spring emerge, many Prince George’s County residents are contemplating ways to spruce up their homes and gardens. From sundecks to fences, before you take on that spring home improvement project, the Department of Environmental Resources offers tips to help ensure your endeavor is a safe and successful one.

• Determine if county building and/or electrical permits are required. Most projects, with the exception of normal repairs, will require a permit and associated inspection activity.
• If your property is located within an incorporated town or city, you should check with your municipal officers for their permitting requirements.
• If you have questions on whether your project requires a permit, please call the information desk of the Permits and Review Division at (301) 883-5784, or the Licenses and Inspections Division at (301) 883-6019.
• Deal only with licensed contractors. Make sure that any contractor you’re considering has a current license to operate in Maryland. Call the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) at 1-888-218-5925 to find out.
• Be sure to obtain a written contract clearly outlining the work to be done and the work timetable.
• Request the total cost payment schedule.
• Request references from prospective contractors and take time to check them.
• Get a copy of the contractor’s current liability insurance certificate.
• Pay no more than 1/3 of the contract price as down payment.
• If a building permit is needed, make sure that it is posted on the site to confirm issuance. If you obtain the permit as the homeowner, you are accepting the full responsibility for the project and its code compliance. You will be liable to the county for maintaining code compliance. Failure to obtain the proper permits can also jeopardize the future sale of your home.
• Get what you paid for. The inspection process provides a review of the project for compliance with minimum standards outlined in the county codes. Concerns such as work quality, fit, finish, floor coloring, door type, etc., are contractual issues between you and your contractor. Be sure to obtain written documentation for all project delivery specifications.
• Changes to plumbing and/or gas fittings or equipment require a permit from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC). For further information, please direct questions to WSSC at (301) 206-4003.

The Department of Environmental Resources has regulatory oversight for all residential and commercial construction in Prince George’s County. As part of our ongoing commitment to customer service, we have implemented DERcares@co.pg.md.us, an e-mail address that allows citizens to ask questions, lodge complaints, or offer suggestions.

For information on procuring the services of a licensed contractor for your project and understanding Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) regulations, access MHIC links at www.peoples-law.org/housing/home-ownership/home-improv.htm or www.dllr.state.md.us/license/occprof/homeim.html.

###