Published: December 31, 2008 09:29 am      

READERS' FORUM 1/1 | Protect yourself from shady contractors

Pennsylvania is one of many states that does not regulate home-improvement contractors and protect the public from scams and shoddy workmanship. I am a retired contractor and am issuing this warning: Homeowners/consumers have rights.

Get three bids and use the same specifications for all, such as types of flooring, color and type of paint, etc. Demand that architectural plans be drawn up and submitted for permits and include a schedule showing from start to finish the entire process and a payment schedule.

Within the contract, add fines and pen-alties for not maintaining the work schedule as submitted, usually retaining 10 percent of the cost for up to six months after completion.

Before any payments are made, have the contractor’s suppliers and laborers issue you a signed material and labor release.

Demand that the contractor carries general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Demand that the contractor issues bonds for materials, labor and completion at minimal cost to you. Do not allow any work to start until those bonds and insurance certificates are issued.

If you decide to change anything during construction, it will cost you extra. But if the contractor insists upon changing anything and wants extra money, do not pay one dime.

Unforeseen obstacles found during demolition may be grounds for a cost in-crease.

If a contractor refuses any of these demands, he is not a good contractor and you are better off using one who will.

Ed McGarvey

Hooversville



Richland has enough commercial property

We would like to respond to the Dec. 25 letter (“Richland’s zoning decision shortsighted”) from Rick Rosko that was critical of the Richland Township supervisors (particularly Wayne Langerholc). The supervisors have been elected by the township residents to respect their best interests.

One of the worst things that any municipality can do is spot zone. If Rosko’s zoning request is granted, the same consideration must then be given to any other commercial property owners who want to extend their boundaries into residential areas. One example of this is the residential area of Bloomfield Street. Homes were built in a residential area, only to be surrounded by commercial properties.

Rosko must have known when he purchased Silver Drive-In that it was a seasonal business and would involve real estate taxes and other operating expenses.

How did he arrive at the figure of 99 percent of residents wanting more commercial property? We would like to challenge him on this point and see a survey that reflects this.

There are commercially zoned properties that are available for development: A large parcel along Scalp Avenue across from the drive-in, the vacant Value City department store, a parcel on Eisenhower Boulevard to the rear of Center Towne Mall, and other vacant stores, commercial buildings and properties.

Bravo, Mr. Langerholc.

Dave and Sandy Heilmann

Richland Township



Some people own up to their faults

Regarding Theresa Kiss’ Dec. 28 letter (“Car-scraping Scrooge mars holiday spirit”): I know how she feels. Although my situation is different, a good Samaritan by the name of “Erick” left a note under my windshield wiper stating that he had damaged my left rear bumper.

One part of the note stated he was sorry; the second stated that “I’ll pay.” The next line was “Erick.” The remainder of the wet note had been destroyed by the wiper blade.

I wish Erick or someone who knows him would please call me at 255-5103.

So, Theresa, all people are not alike.

Charles Sadosky

Johnstown



Budget decisions in city irresponsible

I’ve read letters in this forum recently from writers professing a willingness to pay higher taxes in the city of Johnstown in order to keep what they call adequate police protection.

Apparently, these few people have not been informed about the fiscal irresponsibility and the budget fiasco.

They also may not realize that we already are one of the highest-taxed municipalities in the county, or that cuts recommended by the recent staffing study – paid for with tax dollars – were not considered, which would have eliminated “pork” and kept more police officers on the streets protecting us. All without a need to raise taxes.

I’m sure if anyone would like to donate some of their surplus to the city coffers, the officials would be more than willing to use that big rubber stamp to endorse it and then place it in the “lock box.”

Lonnie B. Rietscha

Johnstown



Lasky’s not far off with gob suggestion

Andy Lasky’s Nov. 9 column, “Goofy thoughts,” was on the right track. He thought a gob factory should be considered for one of the Cambria City churches to pull Johnstown up by its boot straps.

I think he could be on to something, because look at Altoona with Mallo Cups, Latrobe with Rolling Rock beer, and Hollidaysburg with the Slinky.

Although these communities are not known primarily for these items, at least they are attracting people.

Johnstown, too, is slowly heading in that direction with the ethnic festivals and Thunder in the Valley. However, these are just several-day events. Johnstown needs something long lasting – like a gob factory.

John M. Pcola

St. Michael