BBB file opened:
July 22, 2002
Business started: 01/01/1991
Type of Entity
Corporation
Business Management
Mr. Jim Topolski, Corporate Contact
Ms. Cathy Topolski, Administrator
Contact Information
Principal: Mr. Jim Topolski, Corporate Contact
Business Category
PATIO, PORCH & DECK ENCLOSURES
Alternate Business Names
AAAMerican Deck @ Sunroom
Merican Deck & Sunroom Co.
Additional Information
This company began business in Champaign Illinois in 1991. The Lancaster location is the firm's corporate headquarters.
Contractors: Tips on Selecting
To find a reliable contractor, ask for recommendations from friends and relatives who used a contractor for similar work. Get a BBB Member Referral List and a reliability report on each contractor.
Comparison shop. Obtain at least three detailed estimates. Don't assume the lowest bid will be the best quality job. Make sure you are comparing 'like' factors (materials, timelines, etc.).
Ask candidates to show you around the sites of completed projects and those where work is in progress, emphasizing your interest in jobs comparable to yours. Also request a client list for the last two years. Contact each regarding their satisfaction with the work when it was in progress, immediately after completion, the time to completion, and a year after completion.
Ask if a written warranty is offered on the work, including how long and terms and conditions. Warranties can range from one to 10 years or more and may only be on the parts or the work done.
Discuss payment arrangements with each candidate. Never pay 100% up front. Contracts can be arranged with incremental payments at pre-determined intervals, such as 1/3 down, 1/3 when the job is at a pre-arranged halfway mark, and 1/3 upon completion.
A good contract or agreement should include:
.. Services or products you will receive from the company, including plans and sketches, subject to your approval, and a detailed listing of work to be completed (including a specifications list or list of materials to be used along with their brand names);
.. The contractor's certificate of insurance for worker's compensation, damage, and liability;
.. Approximate beginning and completion dates and completion time. Keep in mind that factors beyond the contractor's control may cause delays;
.. Clearly state the cost of the product and or service, payment terms and conditions: when and what amounts, the total price you will pay, the amount of each payment and the date of your first payment; the interest rate of any financing, the amount of that interest rate, any trade-ins, rebates or other discounts., Final payment should be made upon your approval of work performed and receipt of proof that everyone involved in the job was paid;
.. Confirmation of all the verbal promises in words which support what you believe was said. If the words do not appear to cover what was said, ask for a written revision of the clause; and
.. A rider stating all changes, whether or not they increase the cost, must be submitted and approved in writing.
FAYETTE COUNTY: A Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government ordinance requires anyone who builds, remodels or makes other IMPROVEMENTS TO PROPERTY WITHIN FAYETTE COUNTY to register with the Division of Building Inspection. To register, contractors must show proof of insurance and agree to take part in an alternative dispute resolution process for handling consumer complaints. For information on the ordinance and to confirm registration, call 859-258-3243.
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY: Plumbing contractors licensing: call 1-502-564-3580. Electrician licensing: call 1-502-564-3626. Other contractors may also require licensing by the Commonwealth, call 1-502-564-8090.
