How to Improve your Home Without Losing Your Shirt

Every year, thousands of Marylanders set out to renovate their homes only to have their home improvement dreams turned into nightmares by cost overruns, delays and shoddy work that can cost families tens of thousands of dollars.

MCRC's home improvement guide, "How to Improve Your Home: Without Losing Your Shirt" offers important advice on how you can avoid being ripped off when you renovate your home. It explains what to do before you break ground, how to recognize warning signs of a scam, how to craft a contract that protects your rights, how to keep your project on track, and how to file a complaint or arrange mediation with your contractor if you aren't satisfied with the work.

What People are Saying About the Guide

Terry Berg, MCRC's 2011 Consumer Volunteer of the Year:

"This booklet might have saved me for the nightmare of a home improvement project gone bad. Every homeowner should read it NOW, before you need it. Follow the advice. It can save you from financial disaster and a personal trauma that breaks your spirit."

Delegate Al Carr:

"MCRC's guidebook offers clear, concrete advice about how to avoid renovation rip-offs. It will be a great resource for homeowners."

Delegate Dana Stein:

"I hear from many constituents whose home renovation projects turn into headaches or worse. This guidebook will give them the tools and information they need to protect themselves."

Delegate Sandy Rosenberg:

MCRC's guide explains very clearly what questions you need to aks before you break ground, and how you can avoid scam artists and craft a contract that protects your property. Homeowners will find it very valuable."