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With consumers spending over $100 billion a year on home improvements, construction problems have become a growing national concern. Consumer education and awareness are necessary to avoid problem situations.

According to nationally noted contractor and consumer advocate Steve Gonzalez, the best defense for consumers who are considering hiring a contractor is to become educated about various aspects of building and take an active part in planning their projects. "With increased consumer education every construction experience can be a rewarding one," says Gonzalez. "When consumers are educated and have a high level of awareness, there is virtually no chance of being the victim of a scam."

Gonzalez avidly promotes project planning. The reason: if a consumer follows a plan of checking credentials, obtaining background information (such as licenses and insurance documents) and properly confirming them, problems can be eliminated. "Someone who is illegitimate is not likely to produce the proper documents," says Gonzalez. "And if they do produce documents, consumers should know how to check if they are valid." Gonzalez also emphasizes the importance of writing detailed specifications, which he says eliminates misunderstandings.

Gonzalez's latest book, Before You Hire a Contractor (Second Edition), addresses many issues of concern to consumers. The book covers the five essentials to look for when selecting a contractor, how to obtain comparative bids and what to include in construction contracts. Consumer rights, payment schedules, lien laws and warranty coverage are also discussed in depth. "[This is] one of the best written documents on the subject I have seen. I recommend it for everyone who is thinking of building or remodeling," writes industry leader John Watkins.

Steve Gonzalez is a state certified residential contractor with over 20 years experience in the building industry. He has built over one hundred homes and has successfully completed more than one hundred home remodeling projects. He is frequently a guest speaker at home shows across the nation.

Before You Hire a Contractor is available at fine bookstores nationwide or can be ordered by sending $12.95 plus $3.50 shipping to: Consumer Press, Dept. BHC, 13326 Southwest 28th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33330. MasterCard/Visa orders may be placed by calling 800-BOOK-PLAN (800-266-5752).