Homeowner Tip:

Knowing with whom you are dealing is always a good idea. You can now research over 2.1 million companies on-line before doing business with them with the help of the Better Business Bureau's on-line database. And it doesn't matter if they are members of the B.B.B. or not.

For example, if you were going to hire a local contractor to help you build a wall, and order windows from a manufacturer in South Dakota, you could go to the On-line Database to conduct research on both of them.

Another excellent source of information is a Licensee's COMPLAINT HISTORY (if any) provided by the State of Hawaii's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Office of Consumer Protection and Regulated Industries Complaints office.

It's also a good idea to verify the validity of their license where applicable.